The Sharks went into the break ten points down after a try from Enrico Januarie and a conversion and penalty from the boot of Peter Grant put the visitors in control.

But Dick Muir's side produced a second half fightback and coupled with some indiscipline from the Stormers provided the Sharks with a lifeline.

First Schalk Burger, and then Dylan Des Fountain were given their marching orders and the Stormers forcing them to play with a man down for 20 minutes of the half in what proved to be a telling blow.

Rory Kockott, on for Ruan Pienaar added three penalties to Pienaar’s earlier one, and the Sharks had the lead.

Sharks Captain Johann Muller admitted afterwards that, “We only played in second gear, we definitely struggled and in the first half didn’t play well. Credit to the Stormers, they were outstanding in the first half. Our coach must be losing all his hair.

“For the second time, we left it to last minute, but really happy with the four points. I am very excited for the Bulls’ game next week, it will be very tough up there after their loss last night, and they will bounce back so we need to plan carefully this week.”

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers explained that, “We started well, but unfortunately were unable to score points in the second half, and to be competitive, you need to score points in both halves. We will only be happy when we start winning even though it was better than last week, but it wasn’t good enough. The nature of this competition means you play for 14 tough weeks, and it gets tougher each week. We have the Crusaders next week and it doesn’t get any easier than that.”

Ryan Kankowski, Man of the match said that, “It’s always tough playing the Stormers, it’s a big derby, so it was good to come out on top.”

The Sharks travel to the Bulls next weekend while the Stormers host the in-form Crusaders.

Sharks: 12 (0)
Pen: Pienaar, Kockott (3)

Stormers: 10 (10)
Tries: Januarie
Con: Grant 
Pen: Grant