A James O’Connor howler blew the Reds’ chances of victory as the Sharks ran out 21-14 winners at Lang Park.

The Sharks held a 16-7 lead at half-time, though on the run of play the Reds will have felt they were an even match for their opponents.

Stefan Ungerer scored the opening try for the visitors before Chris Kuridrani hit back for the Reds, with three Francois Steyn penalty goals the difference at the break.

The Reds looked to be in with a chance of snatching the lead when a converted Samu Kerevi try after the interval brought them to within two points, but a shocking James O’Connor error gifted the Sharks a second try.

Attempting to find touch from his own in-goal, O’Connor’s skewed kick landed directly in the hands of Ungerer, who only had to cross the open try line in front of him for his second five-pointer of the night, and put his side beyond the reach of the Queenslanders.

More to come.