URC Round 2: Stormers and Bulls fall, Sharks and Lions still unbeaten

· The South African

South Africa’s URC franchises had mixed fortunes in the second round of the competition.

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The Stormers and Bulls lost their first games while touring in Europe.

The Sharks and Lions, meanwhile, remain in the top 3 after home wins.

Stormers blow hot and cold in Edinburgh

The wind blew against the Stormers in their visit to Edinburgh on 2 October.

Despite the boost of Siya Kolisi’s return, the Western Cape franchise could not make their advantages count.

Edinburgh struggled to match the visitors’ physicality but were gifted multiple times in the lineouts.

The Stormers and the hosts traded penalties until Paul Hill got the game’s first try in the 57th minute.

Hacjivah Dayimani put the Capetonians back ahead, before a late Rory Mchaffie try sealed a 17-13 win in Edinburgh.

Lions tame Ospreys in URC Round 2

The Lions brought the Ospreys to ground in their clash at Ellis Park on 3 October.

It was another loss for the visitors, who were still smarting from their thumping against the Sharks in the first round.

The 35-19 scoreline reflects the reality: the Lions had periods of dominance, but the Ospreys were never down and out.

However, the Johannesburg franchise did enough to seal a bonus-point win, with Kelly Mpeku scoring a brace.

Francke Horn had a standout game in all areas of the park and was the deserved Player of the Match.

Sharks ride the winning tide vs Leinster

The Sharks took Leinster to deep water in their clash in Durban on Saturday.

It was a back-and-forth affair, with the defending champions showing their mettle in a fierce contest.

Discipline was Leinster’s biggest weakness, with the Sharks scoring a second try after the visitors went down to 14 men.

The result was never certain until Edwill van der Merwe made a crucial interception and crossed the whitewash.

Leinster still scored a consolation try with the clock in the red, with the final score 26-20 to the Sharks.

The Durban franchise moved to the top of the URC combined standings with 2 bonus-point wins on the trot.

Bulls see “red” against Munster

The Bulls were stopped in their tracks 22-26 during their visit to Limerick on Saturday.

Carrying momentum from their win over Zebre, the Pretoria franchise appeared to have the clear advantage.

Instead, Munster youngster Charlie O’Shea ran in 2 tries and cleared 3 conversions in a match-winning performance.

The Bulls may take positives from their strong defence, but will have serious questions about their attack.

They were unable to convert territory and possession consistently, and were left to rue their costly mistakes.

Full URC Round 2 results for South Africa’s franchises

Edinburgh 17 – 13 Stormers

Lions 35 – 19 Ospreys

Sharks 26 – 20 Leinster

Munster 26 – 22 Bulls

Details correct according to the official URC website.

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