The Sharks produced a great defensive performance to beat the Stormers 22-10 in their Super Rugby match at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday night.

The home side scored two tries before the break to lead 15-0 at halftime, before adding another in the second half and restricting the Stormers to only one to basically seal their spot in the Super Rugby playoffs.

The Stormers, who are also in a comfortable position in Africa 1 conference, enjoyed the lions' share of the possession, but some ordinary decision-making on attack and the Sharks' aggressive defence contributed to the visitors throwing away plenty of scoring opportunities and probably the match.

The Sharks, though, took their chances when it were presented to them in the first half. After flyhalf Garth April gave the Sharks an early 3-0 lead, centre Johan Deysel barged over for the try from close range.

The Sharks then scored another try shortly before halftime when they managed to burgle the ball from a Stormers maul. Quick hands out wide then saw lock Stephan Lewies going over for a try.

The Stormers showed a lot of intent in the second half, but they tried to force their passes in a bid to claw their way back into the game. They did eventually get over the line in the 56th minute when fullback SP Marais barged over from close range.

But the Sharks hit back with the try of the match seven minutes later when rookie wing Sibusiso Nkosi received the ball from a lineout and used his power and pace to run straight through the whole Stormers side to score.

The Stormers then huffed and puffed in the last quarter of the match, but they just couldn't break down the Sharks, who scrambled well on defence all night. The Sharks produced a great defensive performance to beat the Stormers 22-10 in their Super Rugby match at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday night.