The Sharks emerged from a tough encounter against the Lions at Kings Park Stadium in Super Rugby on Saturday with a hard-fought 27-17 win.

The Stormers ended a two-match run without a win with an impressive performance to comfortably beat the Highlanders 34-22 at Newlands.

The Waratahs’ finals hopes are in tatters after the Jaguares recorded their second-consecutive away victory, defeating the hosts 23-15 in Sydney.

The Rebels easily had the better of the Sunwolves in their Super Rugby clash in Tokyo running out emphatic 52-7 winners.

The Crusaders moved 13 points clear at the New Zealand Conference summit after edging the Blues 19-11 in a stop-start contest at Christchurch Stadium.