Sharks 17 Force 10

The besieged Western Force suffered a 17-10 loss to the Sharks in their Super 14 rugby tournament opener in Durban today.

The Sharks scored two tries to one and clinched their win with a remarkable Francois Steyn penalty from almost 60 metres.

Controversial halfback Matt Henjak, who will face a Force disciplinary hearing on Tuesday following an altercation in which he broke the jaw of teammate Haig Sare, was replaced by Super debutant James Stannard after 66 minutes.

Henjak played solidly without excelling, though his bright yellow boots ensured he stood out.

The Force's sole five-pointer was scored in the 65th minute by replacement hooker Luke Holmes following good lead-up work by stand-in skipper and five-eighth Matt Giteau and inside centre Scott Staniforth.

The Force lost regular skipper and Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe to a stomach virus before the game.

Replacement forward, backrower Matt Hodgson, crossed in the final minute but it was called back for a crooked lineout throw.

It was one of numerous errors by the Force, who wasted some good opportunities.

"I think they just played better on the day, they adapted to the conditions a bit better," Giteau said.

"We've got a few things we need to work on. I think our handling wasn't up to scratch.

"We played exactly the way we wanted to play, but full credit to the Sharks they outplayed us.

"The ball was very slippery. They adapted better. They held onto the ball better.

"I think their kicking game was a lot better as well, just little things we need to work on moving onto the Cheetahs next week."

The Force led 3-0 through a penalty to fullback Cameron Shepherd.

The Sharks hit back to lead 7-3 at halftime, after flanker Jacques Botes crashed over the line following an unstoppable driving maul in which almost every home player was involved.

The home team charged to a 14-3 advantage in the 52nd minute following a converted try to fullback Stefan Terblanche.

Force coach John Mitchell made several changes and the visitors pepped up in the final quarter.

Among their best were flanker David Pocock and winger Nick Cummins.

AAP