The Bulls and Stormers are setting themselves up for a powerful run at home URC playoffs, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the two teams have thrived despite gruelling travel schedules, each playing three of their first five games abroad.

“In the URC, a home playoff isn’t just advantage; it’s gold,” he notes.

The Stormers have a perfect record – four wins from four – and are playing with assured cohesion and dangerous intent under John Dobson. Their 35-0 blitz against Leinster in Cape Town was a statement of intent.

URC ROUND 5: Keo’s Accumulator 

Up north, Johan Ackermann’s Bulls have shown their trademark set-piece power and attacking flair, with Springboks Canan Moodie and Willie le Roux producing Test-quality moments.

Defence remains a weak point, with 18 tries conceded in four matches, but Ackermann’s rotation has built depth across the squad.

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Leinster’s defensive woes complete the picture.

“They’ve conceded 35 to the Stormers, 37 to the Bulls, and even 31 at home to Munster,” Keohane writes. Their travel struggles have created a rare power shift early in the season.

For the Bulls and Stormers, this is more than a good start – it’s proof they’re mastering the European slog, not just surviving it.

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