VIDEO: Sharks need to be 'patient'
The match, littered with errors in the sapping heat and humidity, saw the teams score three tries each.
The hosts were the better side with their forwards dominating the Waratahs' pack while their potent backline caused huge headaches for the opposition's defence.
However, despite their valid endeavour, the Sharks struggled with their execution.
They failed to convert possession into points and trail 0-7 in the opening minutes of the match.
The Sharks got on the scoreboard with a Rob du Preez Jnr penalty and Lukhanyo Am's first try, which came after a linebreak from his midfield partner, André Esterhuizen.
The Sharks could have extended the lead before the break but turned down the three points for a five-metre scrum – a decision they eventually regret.
In the second half Am bagged a brace of tries, while Robert du Preez Jnr also added his name to the scoresheet.
It appeared that Sharks have earned a hard-fought win, but with five minutes less on the clock the Waratahs scored a try through Mitch Short which was converted by Bernard Foley for the draw.
"A draw at home is frustrating," Du Preez told reported after the match in Durban.
"We had quite a few opportunities which we didn't use. Our game management was poor.
"We let them off the hook too many times – the game was there for the taking.
"We were just impatient at times. Right till the death‚ we tried to play too much rugby instead of slowing the game down‚” Du Preez added.
Despite his frustration with the draw at home coach, Du Preez managed to find positives in the side's display and admits that the scrum was a major facet where they have improved since last weekend's the defeat to the Lions.
"There was some positive stuff, like the tries we scored.
"Furthermore, I'm happy with the scrums – I think during last weekend's defeat to the Lions our scrum was under a lot of pressure. The Lions have formidable hooker and props.
"However, our performance against the Waratahs in terms of scrummaging will give us a lot of confidence for Round four," he added.
The Sharks host the struggling Sunwolves next in Durban.
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