Makazole Mapimpi stars as Sharks run riot against Munster at Kings Park

Barring a few key absences, this was a strong Munster side packed with Ireland internationals, but they proved no match for JP Pietersen's men, who produced a clinical, all-round display to boost their hopes of a late playoff push.

After a tightly contested opening, the Sharks led 12-0 at the break thanks to tries from Phepsi Buthelezi and Luan Giliomee, with Jordan Hendrikse adding one conversion. Munster threatened at times, but a resolute home defence repeatedly shut the door.

Munster would have felt they were still in the contest, but the match swung decisively after half-time as the Sharks' dominance up front began to tell. 

Phatu Ganyane powered over early in the second half, before Emile van Heerden finished off a slick attacking move to stretch the lead beyond reach.

Munster had chances to get on the board, notably through lineout drives in the Sharks' 22, but errors and turnovers proved costly as the hosts maintained control.

The final minutes of the contest turned ugly for the Irish outfit. The Sharks backs capitalised on territorial pressure, with Eduan Malan finishing off an aerial contest before Makazole Mapimpi stole the show late on to celebrate his 100th cap in style.

The Springbok winger crossed twice in the closing minutes - first chasing down a kick to score, then producing a stunning solo effort straight from the restart to seal the emphatic win and add to Munster's misery.