The Bulls, Stormers and Sharks hold second, third and fourth place on the United Rugby Championship log. The Lions sit in 13th place after a tough start, IOL Sport reported.
Former champions Glasgow Warriors lead the log. Only four points separate the top five teams after five rounds.
The competition now stops for a month because of the November international break for the Nations Championship. The four South African franchises will return to URC action in December.
The Bulls have played five games. They have won four and lost one, giving them 21 points. Their points difference is +108, the best of the South African teams.
IOL Sport said loose forward Jeandré Rudolph has been a big influence in the Bulls’ strong early form. The report said the Loftus side has plenty of depth and experienced players.
The Stormers are third, also with four wins and one loss from five games. They also have 21 points, but their points difference is +65.
The Cape Town side beat Ulster over the weekend. The win kept their home record in the URC unbeaten this season.
The Stormers do have injury worries. Forwards Evan Roos, Deon Fourie, André-Hugo Venter and Bongi Mbonambi picked up knocks. A couple of backs were also hurt.
According to IOL Sport, some of these players could miss matches when the season restarts.
The Sharks are fourth. They have won four of their five games and lost one. They have 19 points and a points difference of +33.
The Durban side won both of their away games, even without some senior players. Head coach JP Pietersen has backed his young players, and they have delivered, IOL Sport said.
The Sharks will play their December matches back in South Africa. They will hope that injured key players return soon.
The Lions have had a harder time. They have won two and lost three of their five games. They have nine points and a points difference of -55.
The Johannesburg side lost lock Hyron Andrews before their first tour match in the Champions Cup. IOL Sport called this a heavy blow for the team.
The Lions did not win a single match on their overseas tour, according to the report. They now have a lot of ground to make up on the teams above them.
The URC resumes in December after the Nations Championship break. The Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions will then face a busy run of games in December and January.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.