The final weekend of January 2026 delivered a seismic shift in the United Rugby Championship as South Africa’s premier franchises clashed in two titanic derbies. With the tournament reaching a critical juncture, these matches were defined by brutal physicality, tactical masterclasses, and a significant reshuffling of the overall standings. As the competition prepares for a mid-season break, the results from the Highveld and the coast have injected fresh drama into the race fo