It was a massive weekend for the local SA franchises in the URC, although with only three pool rounds remaining, it seems the Sharks are the one team that have now seen their playoff hopes slip through their fingers. The Stormers were also left to lament a host of costly individual mistakes after Saturday’s 33-24 defeat to Connacht in Cape Town, but the Capetonians remain the best-placed South African side. John Dobson’s side still sit in second on the log with 51 points, and while they are chasing Glasgow Warriors for that top spot, their primary focus is securing a home semi-final path.

The Lions are arguably the story of the season. Following their massive 54-12 demolition of understrength league-leaders Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park, they have surged into fourth place and look well set for a home quarter-final. They’ve now won five on the bounce and look like a genuine threat.

Meanwhile, the Bulls had a clinical weekend in Wales, dismantling the Dragons 47-7 that leaves them handily placed in the top half of the standings. With a favourable run-in (Scarlets away, then Benetton and Zebre at home), they are still in the running for a top-four finish. For the Sharks, it’s not good news as a 21-17 defeat against the Ospreys left coach JP Pietersen’s side 11th on the log.

They are essentially in “must-win” territory for every remaining game – and will need to rely on other results going their way – to sneak into the top eight. HOW THE LATEST URC LOG LOOKS What do you think of the latest results? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.