First-five Frans Steyn booted 19 points as South Africa's Sharks defeated compatriots the Stormers 34-10 in their Super Rugby clash at Newlands but failed to claim an automatic semi-final spot.
The Sharks needed to win with a four-try bonus point and a 35-point winning margin to overhaul New Zealand's Crusaders in second place and book a home semi-final.
However they finished the regular season third and will host the Highlanders in a qualifier next weekend.
Centre Paul Jordaan, wing Sibusiso Sithole and halfback Stefan Ungerer scored the Sharks' tries, with Steyn adding two conversions and five penalties.
