Exeter Chiefs slipped to defeat in the opening round of fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup as Sharks emerged victorious from their tie in Durban.
The Vertu-backed side made a solid start to the game in South Africa with the opening score, despite being a man down after Greg Fisilau was sent to the bin after just seven minutes.
Electing not to take an easy three points when awarded a penalty, Dan Frost was able to burrow over the line for the first try of the match, which Josh Hodge converted in the absence of Henry Slade.
Sharks - featuring a number of players who had played in the recent test between South Africa and England - roared back however and three quick tries from Phepsi Buthelezi, Makazole Mapimpi and Grant Williams put the home side in control.
Siya Kolisi also crossed before half-time to secure a bonus point for the hosts, with Frost going over the line again shortly before the break to reduce the lead to 26-14.
Kolisi s second try however, alongside two penalties from Jaden Hendrikse, would put Sharks out of reach despite Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scoring a third try for the visitors - who missed out on a bonus point despite a chaotic final 13 minutes that at one stage saw three of the Sharks players sent to the sinbin.
Exeter return to Sandy Park this weekend for the second game in Pool 1 against the French side Toulouse, who secured the title last season and kicked off their campaign with a big win against Ulster.