The Reds have been left ruing three dropped balls with the tryline in clear sight as they failed to fight back from a sloppy start in their 35-20 Super Rugby loss to the Sharks in Durban.
Both sides scored two tries, but the undefeated Sharks' goal-kickers kept the scoreboard ticking over with a faultless performance to deliver the Reds their second loss of the season.
Flyhalf Patrick Lambie kicked seven from seven and centre Francois Steyn nailed his two penalty attempts for a combined haul of 25 points.
Sharks 35: Tries - W.Alberts, D. Chadwick, Pen - F.Steyn x2, P.Lambie x5, Con - P.Lambie x2
Reds 20: Tries - M.Harris, W.Genia, Pen - Q.Cooper x2, Con - Q.Cooper x2
Cards - B.Robinson (67th min yellow)