Scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar scored 21 points to lead the Sharks of South Africa to a 36-24 win over the ACT Brumbies in their Super 12 match.

Pienaar scored two tries, including one in which he eluded opposite number and Wallabies captain George Gregan to touch down.

The Sharks - who fired coach Kevin Putt midway through the week and replaced him with Dick Muir - held the dangerous Brumbies backs at bay through their tackling.

"Our defences were a measure of how big our hearts are," said captain John Smit.

Brumbies captain Owen Finegan said: "The Sharks had plenty to play for after a disturbing week."

The Sharks' five tries earned them a bonus point and took them from last to second-to-last on the Super 12 ladder. The Brumbies remained second despite the defeat.

The Sharks attacked persistently up the middle, and were rewarded with a try by substitute loose forward Jaco Gouws in the 20th minute. But Matt Giteau hit back for the Brumbies just three minutes later.

Pienaar then scored his first try from just five metres out, through a gaping hole from a lineout. And when Adrian Jacobs intercepted a pass and ran away for the Sharks' third try, the self-belief returned to the home side, which led 22-10 at half-time.

Jeremy Paul pulled another try back for the Brumbies in the 50th minute, but then Pienaar kicked and regathered to send Warren Britz over under the posts.

"The simple things make for success," said Smit.

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