The FNB Emeris Comets will look to build on a landmark result when they travel to Pretoria to face FNB UP-Tuks in their FNB Varsity Cup clash on Monday night.
The Comets secured their first-ever victory in the competition last week, a breakthrough moment that has injected belief and momentum into the squad at a crucial stage of the campaign. While the result marked a significant milestone, head coach Jeremy McLaren has been quick to stress that the focus has already shifted to the challenge ahead.
“We’ve had a really good week," McLaren said. "The bodies are starting to feel it at this stage of the competition, but there’s a great energy in the squad.
"Winning our first-ever Cup game was a big moment for us, but we know the job is not done. We’ve prepared well this week and the focus is on being at our best in the next game,” said McLaren.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗡#TuksRugby suffered a 22–30 away defeat to NWU in Round 5 of the 2026 FNB #VarsityCup, after trailing 5–23 at halftime.
— #TuksSport (@TuksSport) March 16, 2026
𝙉𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃:
Emeris (home)
Monday, 23 March#RugbyThatRocks | #TuksSport | #StripeGeneration 🔴🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/Q87THXWzBT
That next assignment presents one of the toughest tests in the competition, with UP-Tuks traditionally formidable at home. McLaren expects a direct and physical contest, particularly in the set-piece exchanges.
“They are one of the toughest teams to play against, especially away from home. We expect a strong response from them after their last result.
"They’re a very direct side with a solid set piece, so we’ll need to manage those areas well. If we execute our plan, we believe we can put ourselves in a good position.”
The Comets’ defensive resilience has been a cornerstone of their campaign, and although last week’s performance delivered a historic win, it also offered key lessons. McLaren acknowledged moments where his side allowed their opponents back into the contest, but believes the overall defensive effort continues to underline the team’s growth.
“If you look at our campaign, our defence has been a real strength. Monday was a true test of our character. We had opportunities to put the game away but didn’t take them, and we knew they wouldn’t go away.
“They stretched us and forced us to work hard, and one lapse led to a long-range try, which is something we pride ourselves on preventing. It was a reminder of how dangerous they can be, but also reinforced the belief we have in our defensive systems going into the final weeks.”
With the competition entering its decisive phase, every point remains vital in the race for survival in the competition. The Comets are acutely aware that results elsewhere, as well as bonus points, could ultimately determine their fate.
“We know our job isn’t done yet. Other teams are still in the mix and results elsewhere could put pressure on us, especially with bonus points and try-scoring coming into play.
“That keeps us motivated. We’ve got one more away game and one at home, and if we can secure a win and possibly a bonus point, we give ourselves a strong chance of qualifying again next year.”
Armed with renewed confidence and a clear understanding of what lies ahead, the Comets will be aiming to turn last week’s historic breakthrough into sustained momentum when they take the field in Pretoria.
FNB Emeris Comets Matchday Squad v FNB MATIES
1. Thabo Njapha, 2. Jacques Marais ©, 3. Nathi Ntuli, 4. Garren Muller 5. Sphephelo Mbonambi, 6. Thando Ntuli, 7. Meno Barnard, 8. Juan Steyl, 9. Chris Els, 10. Drico Marx, 11. Edward Sigauke, 12. Mambo Mkhize, 13. Chris Horak, 14. Jayden Fortuin, 15. Chijindu Okonta
Impact Players
16. Andrew Davis, 17. Christoff Etzebeth, 18. Soso Maseko, 19. Robert Everson, 20. Lifa Ncwana , 21. Abande Mthembu, 22. MJ Schoeman, 23 Denilo Jordaan.