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3d ago

Bulls Thrash Lions, Sharks Complete Stormers Double To Reshape URC Race

A Six Nations break now offers consolidation for the Bulls and Sharks, with the Stormers confronting recurring discipline and set-piece faults.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 31: JD Schickerling of the DHL Stormers tackling Aphelele Fassi of the Hollywoodbets Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on January 31, 2026 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 31: Ox Nche of the Hollywoodbets Sharks looking to tackle Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (C) of the DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship match between Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on January 31, 2026 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)
Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Overview

  • The Bulls routed the Lions 52–17 at Ellis Park, scoring eight tries to two after surging to a 26–3 halftime lead.
  • The Sharks beat the Stormers 36–24 in Durban to follow last week’s win in Cape Town, securing back-to-back derby victories over the Cape side.
  • Standings shifted as the Bulls rose to seventh and the Stormers slipped to third, while the Sharks sit ninth with the Lions 10th after the weekend results.
  • Johan Ackermann credited the Bulls’ improved balance and praised halfbacks Embrose Papier and Handré Pollard, as André Esterhuizen highlighted the Sharks’ aerial dominance as decisive.
  • The Sharks lead the SA Shield on 16 points after four derbies, with play pausing until 21 February before local matchups resume on 21 and 28 February and 14 March.