The ghosts of Zebre disasters past loomed large and eerily over Kings Park on Saturday afternoon as the brave Italians came scarily close to the upset of the season.
The Sharks saw their collective deaths before their eyes before pulling themselves out of their grave to snatch a 35-34 United Rugby Championship win that consolidates their fourth position on the URC table, but the performance will not put the fear of the rugby gods into their rivals.
Just over a year ago in Parma, it was the Sharks that made history for all the wrong reasons when Zebre ended a staggering 28-match losing streak by beating the Durbanites in John Plumtrees fourth game back in the coaching saddle.
Lightning almost struck twice as the Sharks put on Santa Claus hats and gifted the Italians a wealth of attacking opportunities.
The Sharks started well enough when heavy early pressure saw Siya Kolisi stretch over for the opening score. It was the Springbok captains fourth try in three games.