The Sharks scored two second-half tries and defended with 13 men for the final three minutes to hold on for a crucial 23-18 win over the Cheetahs in Super Rugby on Saturday.

The victory put the Durban-based Sharks on course for a playoff spot with two rounds left in the southern hemisphere championship.

Wingers Lwazi Mvovo and JP Pietersen sped away for the Sharks tries in the 49th and 69th minutes at Free State Stadium as the visitors overturned an 11-6 halftime deficit.

The free-flowing Cheetahs had led through Sarel Pretorius' ninth try of the season and threatened to steal victory right at the end when Riaan Viljoen scored after the Sharks had two players yellow-carded in the final 10 minutes.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP