All focus now on the race for the URC top eight

The Bulls narrowly lost to their old rivals Glasgow Warriors, in the Champions Cup last-16. Picture: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images After limited progress once again in the Champions and Challenge Cup knockouts, South African rugby teams turn their focus back to the United Rugby Championship (URC). There, the Lions (fifth), Bulls (eighth) and Sharks (10th) are caught in a fierce mid-table battle to finish in the top half and qualify for the playoffs.

If the Stormers, in second, finish in the top four, they will host a home quarter-final. The higher they finish, the greater the advantage, as they could potentially host a semi-final and final against any lower-ranked team. But with just four matches left in the league phase, a single slip-up could still derail their campaign.

The Cape side come from a nail-biting28-27 defeatto Toulon in the Champions Cup last-16 at Stade Mayol. The French team controlled 55% possession and 62% territory, but the Stormers held on for the full 80, leading twice. They would have snatched a win at the death if a few controversial referee decisions hadn’t gone against them.

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Stormers director of rugby John Dobson saidhe believed lock Adré Smith had scored a disallowed try, but understood the reason they didn’t award it. However, he said it was clear that Toulon player Charles Ollivon was offside at the end, and he couldn’t understand the reason the referee didn’t penalise that. The Stormers return to the URC with Connacht and Glasgow Warriors at home, and Ulster and Cardiff away.

The Bulls also come from a close25-21 defeatto Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup last-16 at Scotstoun Stadium. The Pretoria side stayed in it for most of the game, and even reduced the deficit by one point three minutes from time. But a last-minute Glasgow penalty sealed the result, with Adam Hastings running down the clock with the kick. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann saidhis side were hurtingafter being knocked out despite preparing well and playing hard.

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