Only two teams remain unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship as the competition pauses for the international window. The Stormers and Munster Rugby both extended their perfect starts to five wins from five to share top spot on the table.
The Stormers wrapped up their European tour with a 31–16 comeback win over Benetton Rugby in Treviso. Trailing 16–8 at halftime, John Dobson’s side dominated the second half, with fly-half Jurie Mathee contributing 21 points in a composed display that sealed their fifth straight victory.
In Limerick, Munster edged Connacht 17–15 in a tense Irish derby at Thomond Park. Flanker Jack O’Donoghue scored the decisive try 12 minutes from time to preserve Munster’s unbeaten record.
Elsewhere, Ulster suffered their first defeat of the season, falling 49–31 to the Lions in Johannesburg despite a hat-trick from Robert Baloucoune. Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Rugby each recorded their fourth wins from five matches to move level on 20 points. Glasgow overturned a deficit to beat the Bulls 21–12 at Scotstoun, while Cardiff edged Edinburgh 20–19 at the Arms Park thanks to a late long-range penalty from Ioan Lloyd.
Cardiff’s interim head coach Corniel van Zyl praised his team’s resilience after a third consecutive narrow win, describing it as “a fantastic way to close out a tough block.”
The Welsh derby between the Dragons and Ospreys ended in a 19–19 draw at Rodney Parade. The Dragons came from behind but missed late chances to claim victory, while both coaches rued missed opportunities.
Elsewhere, Leinster recorded a 50–26 bonus-point win over Zebre Parma, and the Hollywoodbets Sharks earned their first win of the season with a 29–19 result against the Scarlets in Durban.
The URC now breaks for four weeks as focus shifts to the autumn internationals, with the Stormers and Munster leading the way into the next phase of the season.
English