United Rugby Championship

Stormers Lead Race For South African Shield In United Rugby Championship

Stormers Lead Race For South African Shield In United Rugby Championship

The Stormers lead the SA Shield race in the URC, but the Sharks, Bulls and Lions are battling fiercely for local bragging rights and crucial bonus points.

Jan 19, 2025 by Philip Bendon
Stormers Lead Race For South African Shield In United Rugby Championship

The South African Shield in the BKT United Rugby Championship is heating up, as the Stormers aim to secure their third title in four seasons. 

Following a shift in Shield criteria for the 2023-2024 season, competition points against Shield rivals now determine the winner, adding an extra layer of intensity to local derbies.

The Stormers lead with 11 points from three games, including bonus-point victories over the Lions and Sharks and a losing bonus point from their close loss to the Sharks in Durban. 

With upcoming fixtures against the Lions in Johannesburg, and a doubleheader against the Bulls, including a rescheduled Round 1 clash, the Stormers are in a strong position. A home win against the Bulls, and another away triumph over the Lions, could all but secure the Shield.

Hot on their heels are the Sharks, with nine points from three games. They face the Lions twice and the Bulls in Pretoria. Historically, the Sharks have struggled at Loftus Versfeld, but a combination of bonus points and victories over the Lions could see them overtake the Stormers.

The Bulls, last season’s URC finalists, are in third place with a solitary losing bonus point from their narrow loss to the Sharks. However, they have five derbies remaining, including two against the Lions and two high-stakes encounters with the Stormers. Wins in these fixtures could propel them into contention for a second Shield title.

The Lions, at the bottom of the table with zero points from one match, have a tough road ahead. While their track record against local rivals is inconsistent, they have the potential to surprise. Their upcoming home games against the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers will be crucial if they are to climb the standings.

As the season progresses, bonus points could prove decisive in this fiercely contested battle for South African rugby supremacy. 

With local derbies carrying heightened stakes, the race for the SA Shield promises high drama. Fans can catch all of the action live on FloRugby.

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