The result ensured that the Capetonians remained in second place on the log with five rounds of pool matches remaining, trailing log-leaders Leinster by 11 points, but with a seven-point buffer over the third-placed Ulster.

The rest of the teams enjoyed a break this weekend, with the next round of matches set to play out in two weeks’ time.

As things stand, three South African teams are in the top eight on the log with the DHL Stormers leading the charge in second place (50 points), the Vodacom Bulls in fourth place (40 points) and the Cell C Sharks in eighth place (33 points). The Emirates Lions, meanwhile, are further down on the table in 13^th place (24 points.)

The four SA sides will face each other in two local derbies in the next round, on Saturday 18 February.

DHL Stormers maintain stronghold in Vodacom URC

The DHL Stormers maintained their stronghold in second place on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship log as they registered a rewarding 46-19 victory against the Cell C Sharks on Saturday outscoring the hosts six tries to three in Durban.

The DHL Stormers dominated the first half completely and did well to convert their point-scoring opportunities into points, which saw them score three tries and a penalty goal, while they limited the hosts to a converted try for a 24-7 halftime lead.

The Capetonians added another three second half tries, while the Cell C Sharks showed their fighting spirit to score two of their own, but this was not enough to contain a sublime DHL Stormers team.

Scorers:

Cell C Sharks 19 (7) – Tries: Gerbrandt Grobler (2), Dan Jooste. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2).

DHL Stormers 46 (24) – Tries: Herschel Jantjies, Ruben van Heerden, Joseph Dweba, Seabelo Senatla, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Manie Libbok. Conversions: Clayton Blommetjies (1), Manie Libbok (4). Penalty Goals: Libbok (2).