The result ensured that the Stormers remained in second place on the log with five rounds of pool matches remaining, trailing log leaders Leinster by 11 points but with a seven-point buffer over third-placed Ulster.

The rest of the teams enjoyed a break this weekend, with the next round of matches set to play out in two weeks’ time.

As things stand, three South African teams are in the top eight on the log, with the Stormers leading the charge in second place (50 points), the Bulls in fourth place (40 points), and the Sharks in eighth place (33 points). The Lions, meanwhile, are further down the table in 13th place (24 points).

The Stormers maintained their stronghold in second place on the United Rugby Championship log as they registered a rewarding 46-19 victory against the Sharks on Saturday, outscoring the hosts six tries to three in Durban.

The Stormers dominated the first half completely and did well to convert their point-scoring opportunities into points, which saw them score three tries and a penalty goal, while they limited the hosts to a converted try for a 24-7 halftime lead.

The Stormers added another three second-half tries, while the Sharks showed their fighting spirit to score two of their own, but this was not enough to contain a sublime Stormers team.

Scorers:

Sharks 19 (7) – Tries: Gerbrandt Grobler (2), Dan Jooste. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2).

Stormers 46 (24) – Tries: Herschel Jantjies, Ruben van Heerden, Joseph Dweba, Seabelo Senatla, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Manie Libbok. Conversions: Clayton Blommetjies (1), Manie Libbok (4). Penalties: Libbok (2).