The defending five-time world champion seized the initiative at the start in Barcelona and led from lights to flag.
A 14th straight league win ensured Pep Guardiola’s men pipped Liverpool by a solitary point as the Reds’ long wait to win the league continued despite a victory over Wolves.
Devoutly Christian Folau was found guilty last week of a ‘high-level’ breach of the sport’s code of conduct after posting an anti-gay statement on social media.
Liverpool may have fallen just a point short in the title race after Manchester City retained the Premier League crown with their victory at Brighton.
Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool finished 25 points behind City last year, but have bridged the gap playing football that at times has surpassed even Guardiola’s slickers.
Devoutly Christian Folau was found guilty last week of a "high-level" breach of the sport's code of conduct after posting an anti-gay statement on social media.
Each side scored four tries at Ellis Park before the outcome was decided by a 68th-minute penalty from substitute fly-half Shaun Reynolds.
Novak Djokovic enhanced his credentials as the greatest threat to Rafael Nadal winning a 12th French Open title next month by edging past Dominic Thiem to reach the Madrid Open final.
The Sharks at least gained a losing bonus point to edge ahead of the Bulls and Jaguares in the South Africa group.
Manchester City go into the final day of the season one point ahead of Liverpool after a title race that has raised the bar from anything the Premier League has seen before.
