It's been a disappointing season by their own high standards, but the Sharks are eyeing a shot at redemption in this weekend's Challenge Cup semi-finals.
The Bulls have acquired the services of utility back Boeta Chamberlain on an initial two-year deal from coastal outfit, the Sharks.
Werner Kok scored a hat-trick of tries to help the Sharks to just a fourth United Rugby Championship (URC) victory of the season as they beat the Scarlets 32-27 in Llanelli.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree believes Phepsi Buthelezi could develop into a Siya Kolisi-style flank for the Durban side.
While much has been said of the Sharks' aspirations in the EPCR Challenge Cup, the focus for the team is on the immediate challenge that lies ahead: the URC.
The Sharks halted a run of four wins in all competitions as they failed to overcome the absence of their frontline stars in a 21-10 URC defeat to Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium.