The New Year's Fixtures did not result in many surprises as the Leinster and the DHL Stormers consolidated their places at the top of the United Rugby Championship log after Round 11.
However, the battle for the next few places is becoming a close and interesting race. Ulster is still placed 3rd although they lost to Munster on Sunday. Ulster is eight points behind second-placed DHL Stormers on 44 log points. Two points behind Ulster is the Vodacom Bulls who were bullied on Saturday by fifth-placed Cell C Sharks who is 5 points behind the Vodacom Bulls.
The Cell C Sharks' win over the Vodacom Bulls was extremely important as the Cell C Sharks have played two matches less than the Vodacom Bulls and if we take current form into account the Cell C Sharks could overtake the Vodacom Bulls sooner than later.
The Emirates Lions dropped three places to 11th after the DHL Stormers ran riot against them. However, the Emirates Lions have played one game less than the four Clubs that are ranked 7 to 11. A five-pointer could see them still bidding for a top 8 place.
Results Round 11:
30/12/2022
Edinburgh 25-32 Glasgow Warriors
31/12/2022
Zebre Parma 17-40 Benetton Rugby
Cell C Sharks 47-20 Vodacom Bulls
DHL Stormers 40-08 Emirates Lions
01/01/2023
Cardiff Rugby 19-22 Ospreys
Ulster 14-15 Munster
Scarlets 33-17 Dragons RFC
Leinster 41-12 Connacht
