Beast Mtawarira got the perfect gift on his record-breaking 157th Super Rugby performance at Ellis Park on Friday night: an emphatic 42-5 win by the Sharks.
The visitors produced one of their better performances in a long time as they scored six quality tries to comfortably down three-time competition runners-up the Lions, who scored their only points, a try by replacement Sylvian Mahuza, in the 78th minute.
It was a day to remember for the Sharks and Mtawarira, but one the Lions will want to forget very quickly.
The Lions were completely outplayed - and left embarrassed - and coach Swys de Bruin and Co will take no positives from the performance.
They have now, after seven matches, lost all three games played against local opposition - against the Stormers, Bulls and Sharks.
Lions
Try:
Sylvian Mahuza.
Sharks
Tries:
Jacques Vermeulen, Makazole Mapimpi (2), Lukhanyo Am, Thomas du Toit and Aphelele Fassi
Conversions:
Robert du Preez, Curwin Bosch (2)