Dramatic URC round sees three SA sides in top eight

It was a dramatic yet rewarding weekend for three of South Africa’s four United Rugby Championship teams as the Bulls,Sharks, Stormers registered crucial victories to stay on course as the playoff stages reach boiling point. However, there was bitter disappointment for the Lions who succumbed to their fifth defeat in a row, which dealt a massive blow to hopes of reaching the top eight. Round 15 was filled with ups and downs as the Sharks scored a late try to edge out Edinburgh 18-17 in Scotland, while a penalty goal in the closing minutes saw the Bulls topple Munster 16-13 in Limerick as both teams in the top four won their games in the Northern Hemisphere. At home in South Africa, an overturned try by Connacht at the death paved the way for the Stormers snatch a 34-29 victory in Cape Town, but unfortunately the Lions were outplayed 42-31 by Benetton in Johannesburg.