The Sharks kept their play-off hopes alive with a bonus-point victory over the Bulls in their Super 15 clash in Durban.

The Sharks won by four tries to one as they moved up to sixth in the standings, one place behind their opponents.

The match was a missed opportunity for the Bulls, who did not take any points and will likely need to beat the Lions next week to stay in play-off contention.

The Sharks are likely to need another bonus-point success against the Cheetahs next weekend to make the play-offs.

The hosts, who led 20-3 at the break, had tries from Bismarck du Plessis, JP Pietersen, Keegan Daniel and Louis Ludik, while Zane Kirchner was the only man to touch down for the visitors.

The Sharks went ahead in the 12th minute when Du Plessis collected a flick from Marcell Coetzee and charged over.

Frederic Michalak added the conversion, but the Bulls made it 7-3 as Morne Steyn knocked over a penalty.

Frans Steyn banged over a 55-metre penalty to put the hosts further clear and they extended their advantage after 25 minutes when Pietersen dived over for another converted try.

Michalak added another penalty on the half-hour mark as the Sharks led by 17 points at the break.

And they continued in the second half where they left off with Daniel going over to round off a good team move.

Kirchner finally got a try for the Bulls, converted by Morne Steyn, but the Sharks had the last word as Ludik got in down the right to round off victory.