URC: Stormers edge out Bulls, Sharks end Lions winning streak and Scarlets put seven tries past Cardiff

Stan Wilson 09 Apr 2022 2:00 PM

Stormers strengthened their campaign for the South African Shield with a narrow 19-17 victory over Bulls in Cape Town.

The home win over their closest rivals moves Stormers up to fifth place in the United Rugby Championship, leapfrogging Edinburgh.

Both sides were about to go into the interval with three points on the scoreboard as a result of a tightly fought half, but a held up Bulls try led to a clinical Stormers counter attack ending in a superb finish from flanker Hacjivah Dayimani.

The second half saw Bulls winger Canan Moodie dot down the first try of the day for the visitors, but the visitors failed to truly build on that.

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Two penalties by Manie Libbok and a Damian Willemse drop goal propelled the Stormers back in front before a late Elrigh Louw try placed the outcome in doubt.

However, the closing stages were played in the Bulls’ half and they were unable to score again.

Sharks snap Lions win streak with 37-10 triumph

The Sharks produced a statement performance against the Lions as their 37-10 victory lifted them to sixth in the URC.

The home side engineered four tries as their outmuscled South African rivals were put to the sword in Durban.

Gerbrandt Grobler and Phepsi Buthelezi crossed in the first 10 minutes and even at that early stage there appeared to be no way back for the Lions, who were bullied up front.

The best evidence of the Sharks’ forward dominance was Bongi Mbonambi’s 60th minute try which came after an unstoppable line-out maul that travelled 20 metres.

Sikhumbuzo Notshe registered the bonus point when he drove over from close range, with the victory elevating them above the Bulls into second in the South African Shield.

It also brought to an end the Lions’ run of four successive wins, although a late touchdown by Henco van Wyk at least ensured they did not finish tryless.

Scarlets demolish home team on their visit to Cardiff

Liam Williams scored two tries as Scarlets completed a quickfire double over Cardiff with an impressive second half to win 49-14 and make them firm favourites for a Champions Cup spot next season.

Despite a strong start to the game, Cardiff couldn’t come close to the excellent Scarlets after losing capain Josh Turnbull to injury in the warm-up.

After last Saturday’s 35-20 defeat at Parc y Scarlets, Cardiff made an enterprising start to build up a 14-point lead but their opponents’ pack, aided by two yellow cards, then took total control of the match as the home side folded tamely.

Aaron Shingler, Tom Rogers, Jonathan Davies and Dan Davis were also on the try-scoring sheet and there was a penalty try awarded too, with Sam Costelow converting four and Angus O’Brien two.

Theo Cabango and Lloyd Williams scored Cardiff’s tries with Jarrod Evans adding two conversions.

Bulls