URC state of play: Bulls, Sharks and Stormers on a roll
The only SA team who appear to be out of the quarter-finals picture are the Lions, who're down in 13th position on the log.
The BUlls players had much to celebrate in their win against Glasgow Warriors at the weekend. Picture: Calum Chittleburgh / SNS Group via Getty Images
With just two regular season matches remaining for all 16 teams playing in the United Rugby Championship things are looking up for the South African teams.
Though the Lions, who're in 13th position on the points table with 35 points, will need a minor miracle to make it into the top eight for a place in the playoffs, the Bulls (third, 58), Sharks (fourth, 53) and Stormers (sixth, 45) are on course to feature in the quarter-finals later next month.
With some luck, the Bulls could even still sneak into second place overall, to secure a home semi-final if they advance that far.
All the South African teams have this weekend off because the Champions and Challenge Cup competition semi-finals take place in Europe on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
And then it is back into the action in the URC.
Weekend wrap
The Bulls, after a hugely successful recent overseas tour, still have to face Cardiff Rugby (fifth, 46 points) and Dragons (16th, nine points), the Lions are up against Scarlets (seventh, 49) and Ospreys (11th, 38), the Sharks entertain Ospreys and Scarlets, while the Stormers welcome Dragons and Cardiff to Cape Town.
In last weekend's action, the Bulls got their revenge over last season's champions, Glasgow Warriors, who beat the Pretoria side in the final at Loftus, by winning 26-19 in Scotland.
It followed the previous week's win against Munster (16-13), leaving coach Jake White to say, 'Four weeks away from home – it is just something that shows resilience,' the Bulls coach said.
'That's what coaches want, they want players to take a step up. If we're going to win this competition, we're going to have to beat big sides away from home.'
He added: 'Are we a good team? Yes. Can we win games if we're all on song? Yes.'
Lions keep slim hopes alive
The Stormers, who've beaten Connacht (34-29) and Benetton (56-5) in the last two weeks, are now in the top five and on course to potentially face the Sharks in a quarter-final.
John Plumtree's Sharks beat Edinburgh (18-17) and Ulster (22-19) in the last fortnight to solidify their place in the top four.
And while the Lions lost to Benetton 10 days ago, they beat Connacht 26-7 this last weekend to snap a five-game losing streak and keep alive their slim chances of finishing in the top eight.
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