They made it difficult for themselves at times, but the Bulls' superior class was eventually evident in a comfortable 53-27 Currie Cup victory over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
Bulls director of rugby Jake White stopped short of goading the Sharks into running for a full 80 minutes on the Highveld when they meet in a United Rugby Championship clash.
The Sharks exorcised some Loftus demons after beating the Bulls at home 29-22 in an gripping but discipline bereft United Rugby Championship game on Saturday night.
Gert Smal's return to his old hunting ground proved bittersweet as his relentless Bulls made an ominous statement of intent in this year's Currie Cup, overwhelming his beloved Western Province by 40-21.