The Waratahs had more attacking options but couldn't convert any of their many of chances, while Peter Hewat had an off night with the boot kicking only three penalties from seven attempts.

Two penalties and a drop goal had given the Sharks a 9-6 lead at half-time and the home side managed to fend off a wave of Waratahs attack in the second half to lead 15-9 before posting the only try of the match in the 77th minute when James dove over for a try that came against the run of play.

The win puts the Sharks at the top of the Super 14 table while the Waratahs are one from two on their South African road trip.

"We had our chances to win the game, but weren't able to take them," Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh told Foxsports after the game.

"We weren't able to control the ball and were a bit sloppy in most areas. We have eight days now before our next match against the Cheetahs, so we will go back to camp and assess our performance in this match and go from there." Sportal

Sharks 22
Tries: Butch James
Conversions: Percy Montgomery
Penalties: Montgomery 3, Francois Steyn
Drop goal: Steyn

Waratahs 9
Penalties: Peter Hewat 3