Updated URC table after week 8: Sharks, Stormers shake things up
12/23/2024 03:11 AM
It was another thrilling URC weekend for the books.
South African rugby fans were treated to not one, but two derbies; first came Stormers vs Lions, then Sharks vs Bulls.
John Dobson’s side had four losses and two wins to their name before playing a hungry Lions team on the brink of top-four status in the URC standings.
But that accolade was not to be after the Cape Town outfit, reinforced with several Springboks back from injury, overpowered an ill-disciplined Lions team.
The Gauteng outfit had fourteen men from the 20th minute following a mistimed Ruben Schoeman tackle on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – six minutes into the second half, substitute Manuel Rass saw yellow, leaving Lions with thirteen players for ten excruciating minutes.
Following the Stormer’s 29-10 win, it was the Sharks and Bull’s turn to take centre stage.
Jake White’s side where stern favourites after Sharks had several key players ruled out, including Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi.
However, the underdog preserved, defeating the Bulls 20-17.
So, how did that affect the standings?
Updated table
* One game of Week 8 remains: Dragons vs Cardiff Rugby (Thursday, December 26, 19:15).
South Africa's impact in the URC
URC chief Martin Anayi has praised the positive impact the South African contingent are having on the league, saying, "[They have] been tremendously successful in terms of performance and attendance, as well as financially and commercially,
"Pretty much anybody you speak to in the league will say they have raised the standard of the competition on and off the field and they will continue to do that."
"It's a game changer. It's millions, more than half our revenue comes from South Africa via television and sponsorship.
"They are also providing more value to EPCR, via Investec's sponsorship of the Champions Cup. It is a huge part of the rugby economy for Europe."
Who is your favourite URC player?
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