Stormers lead the charge as URC heats up

While Munster and Ulster made headlines abroad, it was the DHL Stormers who once again flew the flag proudly for South African rugby in Europe.

John Dobson’s men extended their unbeaten run in the Vodacom URC with a composed 31-13 bonus-point win over Zebre Parma in Italy — a victory that keeps the Cape Town side top of the log after four rounds. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was the standout star, contributing 16 points including two tries, as the Stormers collected a full haul and made another powerful statement away from home.

With this win, the Stormers remain one of just three unbeaten teams in the competition alongside Munster and Ulster, who also impressed on their respective travels.

In front of a massive Croke Park crowd of 51,859, Munster laid down their own marker, dispatching arch-rivals Leinster 31-14 in a bruising Irish derby. Four tries and a suffocating defensive performance saw them claim their fourth straight win. Head coach Clayton McMillan praised his side’s intensity and physicality, saying it was a privilege to win at one of Ireland’s most iconic venues.

Over in KZN, a near full-strength Hollywoodbets Sharks outfit — featuring Etzebeth, Kolisi, Mbonambi, Mapimpi, Nche and others — were outplayed by a fired-up Ulster side, who left Durban with a stunning 34-26 bonus-point win. Despite a try from Makazole Mapimpi, the Sharks were hampered by a red card to the Bok winger and a yellow to Vincent Koch, reducing them to 13 men. Ulster took full advantage to keep their unbeaten streak alive.

The Vodacom Bulls continued their strong start with a dramatic 28-27 win over Connacht in Galway. A missed conversion at the death spared the Bulls’ blushes as they secured their third win in four games — further evidence of the Pretoria side’s growing resilience on the road. Coach Johann Ackermann hailed the character shown in a match where momentum swung throughout.

The Lions also got off the mark with a 29-18 win over Scarlets at Ellis Park, thanks to two late tries from hooker Morne Brandon. It was a timely result for the Johannesburg outfit after early season frustration.

Edinburgh bounced back emphatically with a 43-0 demolition of Benetton, while Cardiff — led by South African-born Corniel van Zyl — continued their hot streak with a derby win over the Dragons. Van Zyl has now guided Cardiff to three wins from four since stepping into the interim head coach role.

Looking ahead, the Stormers continue their European tour with a clash against Benetton in Treviso this weekend, aiming to extend their unbeaten run and maintain top spot going into the international break. The Bulls travel to Glasgow, the Lions face Ulster at home, and the Sharks will be desperate to register their first win when they host the Scarlets.