Brisbane – The Reds’ winger Digby Ioane scored his third try of the season with 10 minutes left on Saturday to help clinch a 25-13 win over the Sharks, handing the South African side its first Super 14 loss of the season.
Reserve scrumhalf Will Genia and Adam Byrnes scored first-half tries as the Reds led 18-6 at the break.
The Sharks came back with a converted try by No 8 Ryan Kankowski 20 minutes into the second half to narrow the margin to 18-13 before Ioane's clinching try.
In the first half, Byrnes scored in the 12th minute and Genia added another five-pointer 15 minutes later.
The Sharks started the season with four straight wins and will remain in third place in the standings despite the loss.