URC state of play | Stormers eye Top 2 while Sharks face ‘mountain to climb’

With six matches left in the round-robin stages of the United Rugby Championship (URC), it is crunch time for the South African franchises in their quest to reach the Top 8 of the competition. All four are still in the running to reach the play-offs – which would be a first for the SA sides if they make it – but hard work lies ahead if they are to reach that goal and solidify their dominance in the tournament. Following their victory over the Bulls on Saturday, the Stormers are in second place and have their home play-off – at least until the semi-finals – in their own hands. They’ve put some daylight between themselves and the chasing Bulls (eighth) and Lions (seventh), while the Sharks are...