The Sharks surrendered their unbeaten Super Rugby record when they went down 38-22 to the Hurricanes in a match highlighted by spectacular long-range tries in Wellington on Saturday.
The Sharks set the ball rolling in the 13th minute with an 80-metre intercept try involving captain Lukhanyo Am and winger Madosh Tambwe.
After Wes Goosen scored for the Hurricanes and Tyler Paul for the Sharks, All Blacks midfield back Ngani Laumapi scored a superb try for the Hurricanes from a cross-kick by Jordie Barrett.
Winger Ben Lam struck twice from distance to give the Hurricanes a 29-17 lead after 51 minutes and All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, who came off the bench for his first appearance of the season, scored from a lineout drive to put the home team ahead 38-17.
A late try to replacement Mzamo Majola wasn't enough to bridge the gap and the Sharks and Hurricanes now share 2-1 records after three rounds.