URC roundup: Three out of four for SA teams as they count the injury cost
The teams were hit hard by what look like some serious injuries.
In the United Rugby Championship (URC), three South African teams secured victories despite significant injury setbacks during a challenging weekend. The Sharks, Stormers, and Bulls all emerged triumphant, while the Lions faced defeat in Scotland.
The Sharks, despite suffering injuries to Bok captain and talisman André Esterhuizen, prop Phatu Ganye, centre Jurenzo Julius, and lock Jason Jenkins, secured a 36-21 bonus point win over Welsh side Cardiff. The team led 17-7 at halftime and continued their strong performance by scoring three tries in the final quarter.
The Stormers, who also faced injuries to their specialists including both hookers and backup Deon Fourie, managed a 52-40 home victory over Scarlets. The Welsh side fought back to reach a 40-all score in the second half, but an impressive final-ten-minute performance by Stormers flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed sealed the win.
The Bulls, despite dropping to 24-21 after a strong start, managed to snatch a 24-21 home win over Ulster. However, the team had to shuffle their backline due to injuries to wing Cheswill Jooste and centre Sango Xaxlashe, and scrumhalf Paul de Wet moving to the wing. Stormers' replacement flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed scored two penalties in the final ten minutes to ensure the win.
Meanwhile, the Lions suffered a heavy 31-10 defeat at the hands of Edinburgh in Scotland. The Scottish side dominated the match, leading 5-3 at halftime and going on to score four more tries in the second half, despite the Lions' initial 5-3 lead.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
