SA URC review: Stormers flying high while Bulls and Lions keep chase alive

Five rounds into the United Rugby Championship (URC) season, South Africa’s franchises have made their presence felt across Europe — with three sides sitting inside the Top 8 and one finally getting off the mark.

The Stormers remain the standout team, maintaining their unbeaten record, while the Bulls and Lions have shown enough promise to stay in the mix. The Sharks, on the other hand, are still struggling to find their rhythm despite registering their first win this past weekend.

With the November break approaching, here’s where the local sides stand.

Stormers: Setting the pace at the top

Points: 23 | Played: 5 | Won: 5 | Points Difference: +118

John Dobson’s men completed their Italian job in style, beating Benetton in Treviso this past weekend to finish their opening block of fixtures with a perfect five-from-five record. It’s the start they targeted — one built on defensive steel, composure, and clinical finishing.

What’s most impressive is how seamlessly the Cape side have managed rotation without sacrificing cohesion or intensity. The return of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse has reignited their backline, while the pack — led by Evan Roos — has provided a solid foundation.

With this form, the Stormers have reaffirmed their status as genuine title contenders and the most balanced South African side in the competition.

Bulls: In the top 8 but plenty to improve

Points: 14 | Played: 5 | Won: 3 | Lost: 2 | Points Difference: -8

The sixth-placed Bulls have had a lukewarm start to the season under new coach Johan Ackermann. While they’re still trying to find the right combinations — with several new players in the mix — they’re currently punching below their weight.

Losing two games overseas, against Ulster and Glasgow, where they had plenty of opportunities, could prove costly later in the season. However, they began strongly at Loftus and showed good fight against Connacht away.

Synergy remains their biggest concern going forward, and they’ll need to settle on combinations quickly if they’re to challenge the top sides, especially away from home. Their loss this past weekend means they’ll head into the local derbies in December with limited momentum.

Lions: Must build their win record away from home

Points: 11 | Played: 5 | Won: 2 | Lost: 3 | Points Difference: -12

The Lions have now won two from two at home after returning from a dismal tour, and they’ll be eager to build on that momentum. Currently eighth, the men from Ellis Park need to start winning away from home to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Up next, they face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld — the perfect opportunity to make a statement and improve their away record. With a full-strength squad expected, this clash could set the tone for their season. Securing more away wins could be the difference between a mid-table finish and their first-ever URC play-off berth.

Sharks: In need of momentum, and fast

Points: 8 | Played: 5 | Won: 1 | Drawn: 1 | Lost: 3 | Points Difference: -40

The Sharks’ story so far has been one of frustration. After a nightmare start that saw them lose three of their first four games, John Plumtree’s side finally notched up their first win of the season against the Scarlets.

But even with several Springboks in their ranks, the Durban franchise have struggled with combinations, discipline, and finishing. They remain near the bottom of the log and face a steep climb to rejoin the contenders.

It doesn’t help that they’ll lose most of their Boks for the November tour, but Plumtree will hope they return with renewed confidence and momentum to reignite their campaign in December.