Flyhalf Robert du Preez scored 18 points as the Sharks returned to winning ways following back-to-back defeats with victory over the Melbourne Rebels in Durban.

The home side led 16-14 at halftime but pulled away in the second period as they used their forward muscle to dominate the collisions and win the battle up front.

The Du Preez brothers, number eight Dan and Robert, crossed for tries along with wing Makazole Mapimpi, who also had a late score ruled out for a dangerous tackle in back-play.

The Rebels scored first-half tries through wing Tom English and full-back Jack Maddocks as they stretched the Sharks defence, but did not manage a single point past the half-hour mark in the game.

The final score was 28-14.