Munster picked up a bonus-point against the Sharks but ultimately succumbed to a third consecutive URC defeat and a heavy one at that.
The 2023 champions were beaten by rivals Leinster in Dublin after conceding three tries in 15 minutes before failing to emulate their famous final win south of the equator away to the Stormers.
A trip to the Sharks was daunting on paper and so it proved - Munster losing 41-24 having again conceded multiple tries in the opening five minutes.
Graham Rowntree's side was carved open within the first minute by Grant Williams who found space and picked out Aphelele Fassi for their opening try.
Calvin Nash was then caught out wide for their second before the Sharks ran riot - their final try coming off the back of a block-down after Billy Burns' attempted a clearance kick.
It is the fifth time in six matches that Munster have conceded four or more tries in the league; the exception being when they kept Ospreys scoreless in a 23-0 win in tricky conditions.
Simon Zebo raises key concern for Munster after Sharks defeat
Simon Zebo - who played under the current coaching ticket up until his retirement the end of last season - was in the Premier Sports studio on punditry duty as the game unfolded.
The former back-three specialist took some relief in the fact Munster secured a four-try bonus-point at the death, but his reflection on the game does not make pretty reading for his former side.
Of all Munster's issues, it is their defensive frailties that should be the greatest cause for concern, according to Zebo.
Yeah for sure (the defence is the prime concern)," Zebo said.
"Slipping off tackles and the basic errors like we saw for Grant Williams line-break in the first-minute of the game where there is a 10-metre space to just run through. Those are the concerning parts I suppose.
"It was always going to be backs against the wall against that teamsheet but I know Denis Leamy will be tearing his hair out with some of the things that went on and Munster just weren't good enough - that is what it boils down too.
"I was delighted Munster were able to get the bonus-point but it was a mis-match out there today in terms of physicality and accuracy.
"The Sharks just looked much better organised today. At least there is a positive in the bonus-point but they will need to regroup next week."
80 nóim #SHAvMUN@SharksRugby - 41@Munsterrugby - 24
Na pointí bónais faighte ag na Muimhnigh le Tadhg Beirne ag trasnú an líne
Munster get the bonus points as Tadhg Beirne pushes through to get the try@URCOfficial @IrishRugby #IrishRugby #URC #WildeAparthotels #Wilde pic.twitter.com/4TJQIc5PuZ— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 26, 2024
The defeat marks the first time in nine years that Munster have lost three league matches in-a-row.
Plenty for Rowntree and Co to ponder as they look to get things back on track at home to New Zealand XV next weekend.
