Highlanders prop Kane Hames goes over for a try against the Sharks. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
The Highlanders started poorly but threw the ball round at every occasion and almost grabbed a win.
The visiting side was ahead 27-25 with 10 minutes to go but two late Francois Steyn penalties won the game for the Sharks.
The Highlanders were lively and looked dangerous with the ball in hand, scoring three nice tries but their scrum was under pressure all game and that told at the end.
Sharks 31 (Marcell Coetzee, Bismarck du Plessis, Tanderai Chavhanga tries; Francois Steyn 2 con, 4 pen), Highlanders 27 (Malakai Fekitoa, Kane Hames, Phil Burleigh tries; Lima Sopoaga 3 con, 2 pen). Halftime: 17-13 Highlanders.
