The Sharks stayed in the hunt for a Super Rugby finals place on Saturday, dominating from the start to beat the Bulls 32-10 and claim a bonus point in their must-win match.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis powered over in the 12th minute and wing JP Pietersen, captain Keegan Daniel and fullback Louis Ludik also added tries for the clear victory at Kings Park.

Ludik’s bonus point-earning score came in the last three minutes to lift the Sharks level with the Bulls on 54 points and inside the playoff places.

The Bulls scored their only try through Zane Kirchner, but the three-time champions were outplayed for almost all of the match to leave their own playoff status in the balance heading into next weekend’s final round of regular-season games.