Assumptions the Sharks would cakewalk their way to a Super 14 championship proved premature last night when the South Africans were upset by the Reds in Brisbane.
The Sharks, previously unbeaten and impressive in New Zealand against the Chiefs and Blues, looked a side who have been onthe road for a week too long.
The little-fancied Reds rattled away to a 15-0 lead within 25 minutes, then survived a crucial period just after halftime when they were reduced to 14 men after fullback Mark McLinden was sent to the sinbin.
The Sharks could not take advantage and could not improve from an 18-6 halftime leeway.
They looked as if they would come into the game with 17 minutes left when halfback Rory Kockoff made a strong dab from a free kick and No 8 Ryan Kankowski showed considerable pace to score handy to the posts.
The Reds finished strongly. Inside centre Berrick Barnes and wing Peter Hynes were smart and a slick inside pass by replacement halfback Will Genia put wing Digby Ioane across.
Though they had some luck, the Reds were deserving winners.
They showed considerable passion spurred on by lock Hugh McMenamin, playing despite a family bereavement, while former All Black openside flanker Daniel Braid, with his high workrate, was top value in the first spell.
So, too, was another former Kiwi, No 8 Leroy Houston, whose powerful burst set up his side's second try to Genia, which came soon after a try to lock Adam Byrnes.
The Sharks were unlucky to lose key playmaker Ruan Pienaar to injury and in his place at first five-eighths Francois Steyn had a shocker, once losing the ball over his goal-line to cause a dangerous Reds scrum.
Overall, it was a lethargic effort and the expected tight forward dominance against a rookie Reds front row, which included 20-year-old prop Ben Daley, never eventuated.
The failure to gain even a bonus point meant the Sharks missed a great chance to take the championship lead, with the Bulls and Waratahs remaining on top.
Reds 25 (A Byrnes, W Genia, D Ioane tries, B Lucas con, pen, B Barnes con, pen) Sharks 13 (R Kankowski try, R Kockoff con, two pens). Halftime: 18-6.
