The hosts were missing injured Springboks Lukhanyo Am and Eben Etzebeth, among others, and were playing just eight days after lifting the European Challenge Cup in London, but were competitive to the end.

Akker van der Merwe crossed twice for the Bulls, with David Kriel and Johan Grobbelaar also going over.

Johan Goosen kicked two conversions with Chris Smith adding another.

Siya Masuku and Dylan Richardson grabbed tries for the Sharks, with the former converting both.

Sharks flanker Vincent Tshituka earned 10 minutes in the sin bin for cynical play at the breakdown soon after halftime, but having survived a Bulls onslaught with 14 men, the hosts conceded seven points as the match entered the final 20 minutes.

Goosen converted Van der Merwe's first five-pointer off the back of a rolling maul.

Richardson then went over for a five-pointer and the Masuku conversion made it a nervous final few minutes for the visitors.

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