The Sharks dominated possession and territory in the opening period but it was the Force who opened the scoring with Cameron Shepherd landing a long range penalty in the 18th minute.

The hosts bounced back just before the half hour when a good drive off an attacking lineout took them within range before flanker Jacque Botes dived over to score.

Ruan Pienaar added the extras and the Sharks held their narrow 7-3 lead until half-time.

They stretched their lead shortly after the break when a sweeping passing move featuring excellent hands from Waylon Murray saw fullback Stefan Terblanche exploit a gap and down for his side's second try which Pienaar once again converted.

Following a missed drop goal attempt from Francois Steyn the Force surged back into the game with a try from replacement Luke Holmes.

Scott Staniforth made the initial break up the middle and he was supported by Matt Giteau who fed Holmes for the score under the posts.

Giteau slotted the extras to bring the visitors within four points but they could not overhaul the Sharks who wrapped up the game when Steyn slotted a penalty from inside his own half with just two minutes left on the clock.

The Force rallied one last time but could not find the score they needed and as a result had to settle for a bonus point while last year's defeated finalists sent the home crowd home happy.

Next up the Sharks host the Stormers while the Force continue their tour with a visit to the Cheetahs.

Sharks (7) 17
Tries: Botes, Terblanche
Con: Pienaar (2)
Pen: Steyn

Western Force (3) 10
Try: Holmes
Con: Giteau
Pen: Shepherd

Sharks: Stefan Terblanche, Henno Mentz, Waylon Murray, Bradley Barritt, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Ryan Kankowski, AJ Venter, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (captain), Johan Ackermann, BJ Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira.

Reserves: Craig Burden, Kees Lensing. Jannie du Plessis, Jean Deysel/Albert van den Berg, Rory Kockott, Adi Jacobs, Stefan Terblanche

Western Force: Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, Scott Staniforth, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Matt Henjak, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Scott Fava, Nathan Sharpe (captain), David Pusey, AJ Whalley, Tai McIsaac, Gareth Hardy.

Reserves: Luke Holmes, Troy Takiari, Sitaleki Timani, Matt Hodgson, James Stannard, Scott Daruda, Josh Tatupu