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State of the URC: Wounded locals await Sharks, Lions

The Stormers and Bulls return home eyeing the scalps of their unbeaten rivals as the four South African clubs gear up for the first derby round in the 2026-27 URC this week.

By Devin Hermanus · SA Rugby Mag

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 3:55 AM

Key Things to Know

The Bulls and Stormers host unbeaten rivals the Lions and Sharks in upcoming URC South African derbies.
The Sharks reached the top of the table after defeating defending champions Leinster 26-20.
The Lions defeated Ospreys 35-19, while the Stormers lost 17-13 to Edinburgh and Bulls fell 26-22 to Munster.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Stormers and Bulls are preparing to host unbeaten rivals the Sharks and Lions in the first South African derby round of the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship. The Sharks moved to the top of the standings after defeating defending champions Leinster 26-20 in Durban, while the Lions beat Ospreys 35-19. Meanwhile, both the Stormers and Bulls suffered away defeats in round two.

John Dobson's Stormers lost 17-13 to Edinburgh, and Johan Ackermann's Bulls fell 26-22 against Munster. Both defeated sides sit on six points ahead of Saturday's derbies, where the Bulls host the Lions at Loftus Versfeld and the Stormers welcome the Sharks to Cape Town Stadium.

Read the full article on SA Rugby Mag

State of the URC: Wounded locals await Sharks, Lions

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