Sharks edge 14-man Highlanders

The Highlanders scored the only try of the game but fly-half April kicked all of the Sharks' points to secure a crucial victory for the South Africans.

Captain Tendai Mtawarira said it was a confidence-booster after the Sharks lost to the Auckland Blues last week through a late try.

"After last week's disappointment the boys really deserved this win," he said.

"They've really been working hard and we stuck to our guns today, held onto the ball, went through a couple of phases. I'm really happy."

The loss is the Highlanders' second by one point after they went down to the Queensland Reds 28-27, but skipper Ben Smith said he had no complaints.

"We got beaten by a better team at the end of the night, the Sharks played really well and deserved the win," said Smith.

The Highlanders took an early lead through Lima Sopoaga's penalty after the Sharks were penalised for obstruction.

The Sharks were on the attack and up 6-3 when Highlanders centre Jason Emery was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Willie le Roux.

Emery charged into le Roux as the fullback was leaping for a high ball, sending him cartwheeling in the air and landing on his neck.

While le Roux was able to continue playing, referee Ben O'Keefe showed no hesitation brandishing a red card.

The Sharks pressed forward but desperate Highlanders defence repeatedly kept them out, despite the disadvantage.

Sharks lock Stephan Lewies was sinbinned just before half-time, temporarily evening up the numbers, only for the Highlanders to be denied two tries after being held up over the line.

The sides continued to exchange penalties after the break before winger Matt Faddes touched down out wide to put the Highlanders ahead 14-12.

However, the home team's discipline slipped one more time, allowing the nerveless April to make it five penalties from five.