URC Stats: Stormers fly high in Round Eight

SPOTLIGHT: The weekend began with Munster centre Tom Farrell going over in the 79th minute to complete a hat-trick of tries and secure a 22-19 victory over Ulster in Belfast.

Then, the following afternoon, Benetton snatched an 11-10 win at home to Zebre Parma after being awarded a penalty just seconds from time, while the west Wales derby saw the Scarlets claim a final play try to beat the Ospreys 23-22.

There was also a nerve-racking end to the game in Durban as the Sharks repelled a late onslaught from the Bulls to triumph 20-17.

The other South African derby delivered a much-needed 29-10 bonus point victory for the Stormers over the Lions, who had lock Ruben Schoeman red-carded after 20 minutes.

The five-try win sees the Stormers share the No.1 spot with Glasgow Warriors for the most tries scored in the round.

The Cape Town franchise is at the top of the charts for most metres gained, with 587, while Munster is second with 472.

In terms of player stats, Stormers lock JD Schickerling is at the forefront of line-outs won with 10.

The other stats show Dave McCann at No. 1 for the most carries, with 26. Owen Watkin of Ospreys has beaten the most defenders, 12.

While Muster’s Gavin Coombes has made 36 tackles the most of the weekend.