URC Results: How Are the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions Doing?
South African rugby supporters have plenty to cheer about in the United Rugby Championship (URC), but the latest results show that it is not all plain sailing for our local franchises. The Vodacom Bulls produced a massive performance against the Lions, while the DHL Stormers got the better of the Hollywoodbets Sharks in a Cape derby.
With another round of URC rugby coming up on 23 and 24 October, all four South African teams will be looking to collect valuable log points. Here is a look at their results so far, how they are doing on the log, and our predictions and estimated odds for the next round.
Latest URC Results: South African Teams
The third round delivered two big South African derbies, with the Bulls and Stormers coming out on top.
Vodacom Bulls 57-15 10bet Lions
The Bulls made a serious statement at Loftus Versfeld, putting 57 points past their Johannesburg rivals. After losing 26-22 to Munster in Ireland, the Pretoria side needed a response, and they delivered in spectacular fashion. The Lions, meanwhile, will need to tighten things up after conceding a hefty points tally.
DHL Stormers 39-22 Hollywoodbets Sharks
The Stormers secured a convincing home win in Cape Town. After losing narrowly to Edinburgh in Scotland, the Capetonians bounced back against a Sharks team that had started the season with two victories. The result puts the Stormers back on track, while the Durban side will be looking to regroup.
The opening round was particularly encouraging, with all four South African franchises winning their matches. However, the second round brought defeats for the Bulls and Stormers on tour. The third round then gave local supporters two derby victories to celebrate. Source: SA Rugby and the official URC match centre.
URC Log: South African Teams Compared
After three rounds, the Bulls and Stormers have recovered from their away defeats, while the Sharks and Lions have lost some momentum following the latest derby results.
The Bulls have the strongest points difference among the four local sides, thanks largely to their 47-13 win over Zebre Parma and the 57-15 demolition of the Lions. The Stormers are level on points with them, while the Sharks are just one point behind.
The Lions have also shown they can compete with the best, particularly after beating defending champions Leinster in the opening round. Nevertheless, the heavy defeat at Loftus will sting.
Upcoming URC Fixtures: 23-24 October
All four South African franchises are back in action this weekend, with the Sharks and Lions travelling to Europe and the Bulls and Stormers playing at home.
Date Fixture Venue
Friday, 23 October Cardiff Rugby vs Sharks Cardiff Arms Park
Friday, 23 October Edinburgh vs Lions Hive Stadium
Saturday, 24 October Bulls vs Ulster Loftus Versfeld
Saturday, 24 October Stormers vs Scarlets DHL Stadium
The Bulls will want to build on their massive derby win, while the Stormers will be eager to maintain their home form. Meanwhile, the Sharks face a tricky trip to Cardiff, and the Lions must quickly recover from their Loftus disappointment before taking on Edinburgh.
URC Predictions and Estimated Betting Odds
The following decimal odds are illustrative estimates for editorial purposes, not live bookmaker prices. Check current odds and team announcements before making any betting decisions.
Fixture Prediction Estimated odds (Home/Draw/Away)
Cardiff vs Sharks Sharks win 2.40 / 21.00 / 1.55
Edinburgh vs Lions Edinburgh win 1.65 / 21.00 / 2.60
Bulls vs Ulster Bulls win 1.30 / 26.00 / 3.50
Stormers vs Scarlets Stormers win 1.20 / 29.00 / 5.00
Cardiff vs Sharks
The Sharks have already beaten Ospreys and Leinster this season, so they have shown they can deliver against quality opposition. However, the 39-22 loss to the Stormers exposed some defensive weaknesses.
Cardiff will be dangerous at home, but the Sharks have enough attacking quality to make this a close contest. Our prediction is a narrow Sharks victory.
Edinburgh vs Lions
The Lions have enjoyed a promising start, but their defeat to the Bulls raises questions about their defence. Edinburgh, meanwhile, have already beaten both Ulster and the Stormers.
Home advantage gives the Scottish side the edge. Our prediction is an Edinburgh win, although the Lions could keep it close if they improve their defensive discipline.
Bulls vs Ulster
The Bulls will be full of confidence after scoring 57 points against the Lions. Playing at Loftus Versfeld should give them another advantage, particularly if their forwards dominate the set pieces.
Ulster are capable opponents, but the Bulls look well placed to claim another victory. Our prediction is a Bulls win.
Stormers vs Scarlets
The Stormers bounced back in style against the Sharks and will want to make the most of another home fixture. Scarlets have struggled for consistency early in the campaign, making this a good opportunity for the Cape side.
Our prediction is a Stormers victory, with the home team capable of scoring several tries.
Crouch, touch and engage.
The URC season is still young, but South African rugby fans have already seen some entertaining action. The Bulls and Stormers have bounced back from away defeats, while the Sharks and Lions need to regroup after losing their latest matches.
The upcoming round gives all four teams a chance to improve their positions. Bulls and Stormers supporters will fancy their sides at home, while the Sharks and Lions face tougher assignments on the road.
As always, rugby can throw up a surprise or two. If you are researching URC betting tips, compare the latest prices, check team news and remember that even strong favourites can slip up.
Brett is the newest member of the writing team at NoBull Betting. He is known for his insights into Rugby and Football. Brett is fan of the Sharks in local rugby and a Chelsea man at heart in the English Premier League. He is a keen cyclist and enjoys a round of golf on the weekends.
