The Sharks’ returning Springboks could not inspire them to victory as they fell to a disappointing 32-20 United Rugby Championship defeat against Scarlets in Llanelli.
Sam Costelow kicked 22 for the Welsh outfit, succeeding with all eight attempts at goal as he landed six penalties and the conversions to a brace of tries from Steff Evans.
Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi scored tries for Sharks with Curwin Bosch adding two conversions and two penalties.
The defeat sees the Sharks remain in eighth place on the log, just one point ahead of Benetton in the final play-off spot with just two matches to play.
Scarlets began with some blistering rugby. First Evans and Gareth Davies interpassed brilliantly in a 75-metre move, which was snuffed out just short of the line, before another breathtaking passage ended with Evans scoring for the home side to take the lead after eight minutes.
However, the hosts then suffered a blow when flanker Dan Davis hobbled off but they overcame this setback to extend their lead with two penalties from Costelow in quick succession.
A brilliant performance from the Scarlets sees them topple the Cell C Sharks 32-20 🔴🦈
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 25, 2023
Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/BjmPMTtWpm
Sharks had not had a sniff in the opening quarter but they steadied the ship and reduced the arrears when their captain Kolisi forced his way over from close range to find themselves only 13-7 adrift at the interval.
Three minutes after the restart, Bosch kicked a penalty but against the run of play Scarlets scored a second try.
A speculative cross-field kick from Costelow bounced unfavourably for two covering Sharks and Evans was on hand to boot the ball forward before collecting it to score.
Costelow converted and kicked two penalties and Scarlets had a 16-point lead with 25 minutes remaining.
Sharks needed a quick response and they got one when first Mbonambi finished off a move from a lineout before Bosch fired over a penalty from the halfway line but two further penalties from Costelow gave Scarlets a notable scalp.
