Halfway Through: Three South Africans Achieving Decent Form in United Rugby Championship
Rugby Rumble: South African Sides Shine in United Rugby Championship
Quintin van Jaarsveld recaps the mid-season performance of the South African teams in the 2023-24 United Rugby Championship[3].
The URC title isn't clinched in January, but the foundation is being laid, and the contours of the championship picture are coming into focus. The Bulls, Stormers, and Lions can all take pride in their efforts in the first half of the season, while the Sharks are hoping to turn things around following a rocky start.
The Bulls: A Balanced Beast
Smart signings by Jake White have given the Bulls a competitive edge, making them the best balanced squad among the South African franchises. Currently sitting fourth, they've claimed six wins from nine games, accumulating 30 points4.
With the addition of international talent like Willie le Roux, Akker van der Merwe, Wilco Louw, and Jaco van der Walt, as well as domestic performers such as Henry Immelman and Sergeal Petersen, the Bulls have significantly improved their depth and consistency.
White's leadership and management have also been unparalleled among local coaches, as his team has continued to produce positive results despite the absence of key strike weapons Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie due to springbok resting protocols.
Emerging players like Cameron Hanekom and David Kriel, who've moved into midfield, have been standouts, demonstrating impressive promise. The Bulls have also shown a knack for tactical precision, playing a captivating brand of total rugby, although, closing out games remains a work in progress.
With overseas teams leading the charge, the Bulls and Stormers will aim to secure a top-four finish and the home playoff slots.
The Stormers: A Turnaround in Sight
After opening the season with back-to-back victories, the Stormers struggled on their European tour, dropping games to Glasgow, Benetton, Munster, and Cardiff. Injuries have taken a toll as well.However, their return to South African soil marked a change in fortune, as they've won five games in a row across all competitions, improving to a 5-4 record on 26 points5. The Stormers currently sit seventh, just a couple of points behind the Bulls.
With strong performances against South African sides and a favorable remaining schedule, the 2022 champions are well-positioned to make the top four for the third consecutive year.
The Lions: Champions Cup on the Horizon?
Given their limited resources and top-tier players, the Lions have more than held their own this season. Despite being shorthanded at times, they sit 10th in the standings on 24 points6.
Positioned between them and the Stormers are the Ospreys and Connacht, with the Lions holding the advantage in points difference. With such narrow margins, the pride of Johannesburg has never been in a better position to secure a spot in the top eight and the European Champions Cup berth.
Although their second half of the season will be physically taxing due to injuries and international duties, the Lions have consistently shown their resilience and fighting spirit, making it hard to count them out.
The Sharks: A Long Climb Ahead
The Sharks have disappointed thus far, with just a single win—a resounding victory over the Dragons—from 18 matches, leaving them in last place on nine points7.
Despite initial teething problems under new coach John Plumtree, the season has been a dismal affair, especially given the caliber of their squad. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the team, but their form in the European Challenge Cup offers some hope for a turnaround.
As the Sharks dig themselves out of their current predicament, the question remains: can they muster the effort and unity to climb back up the ladder?
Quintin Van Jaarsveld is an award-winning sports journalist with over 15 years of experience, having previously served as the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com.
For the latest rugby news, predictions, and analysis, keep an eye on Quintin's work.
[3]: Quintin van Jaarsveld "@"quintinjvj
- Predictions for the remaining fixtures in the United Rugby Championship suggest that the Bulls and Stormers are aiming to secure top-four finishes, with a chance to clinch home playoff slots, due to their impressive performances so far.
- In the European-leagues standings, the Stormers are currently in seventh place, just a couple of points behind the Bulls, after winning five straight games at home following a tough European tour.
- The Lions, despite their limited resources and top-tier players, are well-positioned to secure a spot in the top eight and the European Champions Cup berth, as they sit 10th in the standings, with a narrow points difference ahead of the Stormers and Ospreys.
- The Sharks are currenty in last place in the United Rugby Championship, with just a single win in 18 games, and will have a long climb ahead as they attempt to turn their season around, especially considering their poor form and multiple injuries.
- Betting on sports like football and rugby, particularly the United Rugby Championship, might be interesting with these results and upcoming fixtures, with genuine chances for the Bulls, Stormers, and potentially the Lions to make a strong showing in the championship.
