Log leaders the Sharks suffered an unexpected 31-6 defeat by the last-placed Vodacom Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, whilst the Vodacom Bulls ended a two-match losing run with a 20-6 win over the Waratahs in Sydney, also on Saturday.
Despite the loss, the Sharks remain three points clear at the top but having played a game more than their closest two challengers. The Bulls, meanwhile, move into third place with the same number of points as the second-placed Chiefs but with an inferior points difference.
The Chiefs, who arrive in South Africa today for a three-match tour, had a bye at the weekend.
The Waratahs' loss to the Bulls, their first in eleven matches at the Sydney Football Stadium, leaves them in the top four but they are vulnerable to the three sides beneath them, who have all played a game less and trail by five points or less. In addition, the ‘Tahs still need to travel to South Africa.
The Hurricanes, Blues and Highlanders, who occupy places 5 to 7, kept themselves firmly in the hunt with important wins at the weekend.
The Hurricanes beat the Force 28-27 at the death on Friday with the winning try scored by fullback Corey Jane after the final hooter. The Force looked to have done enough to secure a home win but the Hurricanes rallied to snatch the victory.
The Blues stayed in the top 6 after a one-sided 36-12 win over the Auto & General Lions in Auckland on Friday. The Blues led 24-0 at one stage before a minor fight-back by the Lions, which was too little, too late. The Lions remain in 13th place.
The Highlanders beat the Reds 24-19 in Invercargill on Saturday to remain on course for a playoff place. The Reds were much improved but did not have enough firepower to contain a dominant Highlanders pack.
For the Vodacom Stormers, it was again a case of so close, but so far, as they slumped to a 17-10 defeat against the Brumbies in Canberra. It was the Stormers third defeat on tour and their sixth in eight matches, which effectively rules them out of contention.
Whilst the Sharks and Bulls are flying high there are now three SA sides in the bottom four places with five rounds remaining.
Rory Kockott (The Sharks) 92
Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls) 87
Stephen Donald (Chiefs) 75
Mark Gerrard (Brumbies) 72
Matt Giteau (Western Force) 62
Jimmy Gopperth (Blues) 59
Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Vodacom Cheetahs) 54
Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs) 6
JP Pietersen (The Sharks) 6
Jaque Fourie (Auto & General Lions) 5
Anthony Tuitavake (Blues) 5
