The URC officially kicked off last weekend, but the SA teams' derbies that were meant to be played were postponed due to the Currie Cup final, which meant they finally got under way this weekend.
The Lions were the star SA performers, clinching a bonus point 35-22 win over Irish giants Ulster at Ellis Park, while the Bulls were made to work hard before clinching a 22-16 over Edinburgh at Loftus.
The Sharks and Stormers then both let themselves down as they slipped to opening defeats, 36-30 against Connacht in Ireland and 37-24 against Ospreys in Wales respectively.
For the Lions it wasn't a perfect performance, but it was a perfect result as they start their campaign with a full house of points.
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Denne historien er fra September 30, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Tuz aims to double-up at Meydan
UAE Champion sprinter Tuz, winner of the Golden Shaheen (Group 1) last March, is the star attraction at Meydan today, when he bids for back-to-back wins in the Dubawi Stakes.
Mozahim to extend Costa's lead
Jebel Ali's opening fixture of 2025 tomorrow is headlined by a cracking sprint handicap, the richest race on a competitive seven-race programme to kick start the new year.
One-way traffic for One Stripe
Three-year-old colt to add G1 L'Ormarins King's Plate to Guineas success
Greaterix gets the green light at Turffontein
Greaterix will have the opportunity to redeem his reputation when he lines up in the Grade 3 Betway Got The Greenlight Stakes for three-year-olds over 1400m on the Standside track at Turffontein on Sunday.
INTO THE MELTING POT
MAPHAKA: ROOKIE FAST BOWLER SA'S YOUNGEST-EVER TEST DEBUTANT
Cardoso sticking with rotation
New Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained his rotation policy ahead of the crucial away Caf Champions League group stage clash against Raja Casablanca tomorrow.
Local franchises shift their focus
RECHARGE: ATTENTION NOW ON CUP COMPETITIONS
Familiar face to coach City
Cape Town City swiftly moved on to replace Eric Tinkler, who was shown the door after a run of poor results.
Swiatek fights exhaustion to see Poland through
Battling Iga Swiatek (right) took Poland into a United Cup semifinal against Kazakhstan as last year's runners-up beat Britain in the mixed-teams tournament yesterday.
Shastri Wants Two-Tier Tests
Former India coach Ravi Shastri (above) called this week for a two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion to ensure the survival of the red-ball game.
