United Rugby Championship: South African review for season two in the north

The United Rugby Championship (URC) season for the South African sides has been a tricky one and one where, on the whole, the performance has been slightly worse.

Akin to last year, three teams have made the play-offs in the Stormers, Bulls and Sharks – the same trio in both campaigns. However, their table positions are not as strong.

Unlike the previous season, the South Africans had to double up as they competed in the Champions and Challenge Cups alongside the 18-game regular URC season.

The fixtures between the league and European competition were not synced, meaning the teams were required to do some unreasonable travelling going to and from the northern hemisphere multiple times in a short period of time.

It is certainly something which needs to be addressed or the sustainability of South African sides competing in the tournaments will come into question.

Nevertheless, for the most part, they can be proud of their efforts, but there is room for improvement as the South Africans find their feet in the north.

Stormers

We begin with the defending champions who found it within themselves to kick on from their miraculous title last term and continue growing despite the additional fixtures and travel load.

The Capetonians finished one position worse than last season with a late wobble throwing second place away.