The Sharks executed a ten-try 66-12 rout over a hapless Griquas side at the Absa Stadium on Saturday afternoon to finish the Currie Cup pool stages in pole position.

The bonus point win keeps alive the Sharks' hopes of hosting a home final at the end of the month.

In many ways, Griquas' were consigned to defeat by as early as the 14t hminute after centre Frans Steyn scored the Sharks' third try to take his side into a 19-0 lead.

Before that, flanker Keegan Daniel and winger JP Pietersen had crossed the whitewash to get the Sharks off to a rollicking start.

Prior to half-time, both Daniel and Pietersen secured their brace as the Sharks romped to a 33-0 lead.

Once again, number eight Ryan Kankowski was absolutely indomitable with ball in hand during the first half, impressing with a number of magnificent breaks.

Pienaar, Daniel, Pietersen and fellow winger Odwa Ndungane were all exceptional as well.

The Sharks started the second half just where they had left off with lock Albert van den Berg going over early on.

Hooker John Smit then marked his return to the Absa stadium in style, going over for the Sharks' seventh try just moment later. Pienaar duly slotted yet another penalty to make it 45-0 with half an hour to play.

Flanker Jacques Botes then added his name to the scoresheet in the 54thminute, snaffling a loose pass on the halfway line and galloping all 50 metres to dot down under the sticks.

A few minutes later the Sharks returned the favour though, Smit throwing a loose pass that was picked up by Griquas scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius who dashed all the way to dive over for the visitor's first try.

Flyhalf Naas Olivier was next to cross the tryline for Griquas to make it 52-12 and give their travelling supporters something to smile about.

Yet after a good 20 minute period for the Griquas, winger Odwa Ndungane intercepted a poor pass to go over for his side's ninth try in the 75thminute. This switched the momentum back to the Sharks and Daniel soon went over for his hat-trick.

A minute later the final hooter sounded to mark a great win for the Sharks with Daniel receiving the man-of-the-match award.

Try scorers:

Sharks: Keegan Daniel (3), JP Pietersen (2), Frans Steyn, Albert van den Berg, Jacques Botes, John Smit, Odwa Ndungane.
Conversions: Ruan Pienaar (6), Odwa Ndungane (1), Rory Kockott (1)

Griquas:

Tries: Sarel Pretorius, Naas Olivier.
Conversions: Sarel Pretorius (1).

Sapa