The Sharks scored 20 straight points at ABSA Stadium to rally from 10-3 down to lead 23-10 after 60 minutes.

The Hurricanes came back with a second try to close within six points after 68 minutes, but Francois Steyn's drop goal a minute later gave the Sharks a breathing-room 26-17 lead.

The home team finished with a last-minute try to substitute back Chris Jordaan to win its seventh match.

Sharks captain Johann Muller said, ''I'm obviously happy with the four points, but we made a lot of mistakes.

''However, you have got to be happy after a win over a quality side like them. In the second half we said we had to hold on to the ball and build pressure, and we capitalised.''

The Sharks, down 10-9 at the break, hit the front soon after play resumed, when a quick lineout caught out the Hurricanes and new winger Luzuko Vulindlu scored his first Super try.

Hurricanes replacement Tamati Ellison then missed an up-and-under kick from flyhalf Francois Steyn, who grabbed the ball and scored to make it 23-10 with scrumhalf Rory Kockott's second conversion. AP