While the Bulls and Cheetahs were winners on Republic’s soil over the weekend, it was the Stormers who impressed with an iron-like display against the Highlanders where the battle of the Conference leaders went firmly the way of the South Africans.

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The Stormers and their coach Allister Coetzee completely rubbished any concerns the Cape Town based outfit would struggle in their first match away from the Rebublic, putting away any potential fatigue from one of the longest journeys in Super Rugby to make an imperious statement.

As predicted the Stormers forward power and defensive steel came to bear, while there were some impressive touches from the South African pacesetter’s back division, with Jean de Villiers in brilliant form while Bryan Habana appears to be lurking back to his intercepting best.

The Stormers will hope to continue their unbeaten swathe through the competition when they battle the Crusaders this weekend – and one suspects if the visitors can down both South Island heavyweights the confidence of the Cape Town faithful will be immense.

The Cheetahs victory over the Lions didn’t receive the attention deserved with all the hype of other fixtures throughout the round, but the Free State based outfit is definitely a team to watch considering their defensive display in their return home.

Not content with being one of the attacking darlings of the competition, it appears that Naka Drotske has been working feverishly to ensure his charges are not just a trigger happy offensive outfit.

With more home games remaining than other Super Rugby franchise, the Cheetahs could be a competition sleeper – and their performance against the New Zealand Conference leading Chiefs in week eight will be eagerly awaited.

Across from Welkom, Loftus played host to the winners of ten championships, and despite a good start from the Crusaders, the Bulls applied their classic squeeze on the seven-time champions as the fixture progressed.

Two late tries set up a grandstand finish, but while the match may have thrilled, it didn’t give more clarity on what sort of threat South Africa’s only Super Rugby winners will mount as they dream for a fourth crown.

After this weekend’s derby in Johannesburg, the Bulls return home to host the Brumbies before embarking on a four-match overseas tour (Rebels, Waratahs, Highlanders, Chiefs).

The Lions, saddled with the worst injury of any Super Rugby franchise, struggled against a vibrant Cheetahs team, and more than just pride will be on the line when they host the Bulls.

Certainly John Mitchell’s troops will be disappointed with their 21-point loss to the Cheetahs, especially considering they would have had high hopes for matches within the South African Conference as they are reigning Currie Cup champions.

Finally the Sharks will hope to turn around their tour after suffering a heavy loss to the Hurricanes, with their six try defeat (the most conceded in seven years by the Durban based outfit) a frustrating one for the visitors considering they looked to have the edge on Mark Hammett’s men at times.

Their match this weekend at Eden Park will see two struggling teams looking to desperately turn their season around, with the Sharks returning to Durban for three straight matches after facing the Blues.

South African Conference, Week Seven:

Cheetahs 26 – 5 Lions
Bulls 32 – 30 Crusaders

South African Conference, Week Eight:

Saturday 14 April
Cheetahs v Chiefs, Bloemfontein, 17:05
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Assistant Referee:  Sindile Mayende
Assistant Referee: Stefan Breytenbach
TMO: Shaun Veldsman

Saturday 14 April
Lions v Bulls, Johannesburg, 19:10
Referee: Garratt Williamson
Assistant Referee: Keith Brown
Assistant Referee: Christie Du Preez
TMO: Johann Meuwesen