Stormers and Sharks deliver as Bulls take heavy hit in Investec Champions Cup Round 2

Round 2 of the Investec Champions Cup delivered big results, with South African teams at the heart of the weekend’s action. The Stormers and Sharks both notched morale-boosting wins, while the Bulls endured a punishing afternoon in Northampton.

The Stormers opened Saturday’s fixtures with a commanding 42–21 win over defending champions Stade Rochelais in Cape Town. Physical dominance up front and clinical finishing saw the hosts pull away in the second half to maintain their perfect start to the tournament.

Over in Durban, the Sharks showed resilience to edge Saracens 28–23 in wet conditions at Kings Park. The hosts held off a late surge from the English giants to claim their first win of the campaign.

But it was a difficult outing for the Bulls, who travelled to face Northampton Saints and were outplayed in all areas. The 52–5 defeat was compounded by a hat-trick from Saints winger George Hendy, who now has four tries in the tournament.

South African-born Ernst van Rhyn featured again for Sale Sharks, who ran in five tries in a 35–14 victory over Clermont in France. Sale’s backline sliced through with ease as they claimed a valuable away win.

Elsewhere, Leinster held off a strong challenge from Leicester Tigers on Friday night to win 23–15, while Glasgow Warriors pulled off the shock of the round recovering from 21–0 down to beat Stade Toulousain 28–21.

Bordeaux Bègles racked up 50 points against Scarlets, and Munster turned on the style late to beat Gloucester 31–3.

Sunday’s action saw Harlequins dismantle Bayonne 68–14, Castres blank Edinburgh 33–0, and Toulon edge Bath 45–34 in a high-scoring thriller. Bristol Bears closed out the round with a dominant 61–12 win over Pau.

Investec Champions Cup Round 2 Results

Friday

• Leicester Tigers 15–23 Leinster Rugby

Saturday

• DHL Stormers 42–21 Stade Rochelais

• Hollywoodbets Sharks 28–23 Saracens

• ASM Clermont Auvergne 14–35 Sale Sharks

• Union Bordeaux Bègles 50–21 Scarlets

• Munster Rugby 31–3 Gloucester Rugby

• Glasgow Warriors 28–21 Stade Toulousain

Sunday

• Harlequins 68–14 Aviron Bayonnais

• Castres Olympique 33–0 Edinburgh Rugby

• RC Toulon 45–34 Bath Rugby

• Northampton Saints 52–5 Vodacom Bulls

• Bristol Bears 61–12 Section Paloise