It is still early days, but it can already be predicted that the two tactical kick passes from Divan du Toit that led to two tries for Tuks against Shimlas will be among the big highlights of the 2026 Varsity Cup.
The tactical precision with which Du Toit ensured the ball ended up in Andile Myeni's hands was brilliant. Du Toit freely admits he doesn't know how he managed it.
"It's the first time I've executed kicks like that. I saw Andile's hand in the air and kicked. I didn't think about what I was doing. I just backed myself. Monday was incredible, but it is important to remain humble. What happened, happened. My focus is now on Monday's game against Shimlas," said Du Toit, who was the Man of the Match.
The 24-year-old Du Toit made his Varsity Cup debut for Tuks on Monday. Last year, he played for the Northwest Eagles.
"I obtained my honours degree at Northwest last year. It was 'Coach Dewey (Swartbooi) who persuaded me to come to Tuks. I see it as a new adventure. I have the highest respect for 'Coach Dewey'. He coached me when I was with the Falcons. He is one of the best."
Du Toit considers it an incredible privilege to wear Tuks' number 10 jersey, especially since three of his role models - Naas Botha, Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok - also played flyhalf for Tuks.
"All three are legends. These are big shoes to fill, and I did not want to disappoint when playing in the Tuks number 10 jersey. The ultimate would be to be as calm as Manie Libbok backing myself in what I do."
PERFECTING THEIR PASSING
Du Toit's passion for rugby began when he was a young boy, watching his father play on the sidelines. That was a definite highlight. He still remembers, later, when he was older and started playing himself, how his father would take him and his brother out onto the field after they finished their homework and help them perfect their passing.
"My father made us pass the ball in every way possible. It paid off. My kicking game, tactically and kicking for post, along with the way I distribute the ball, are my best qualities as a flyhalf."
One of the worst days was when someone told Du Toit that he would never make it as a rugby player.
"It hurt. When I told my father about it, his words were, 'You can prove them wrong, or you can prove them right. The choice is yours.' That remains my biggest motivation. I want to keep on improving as a player and be at my best every time I play.
"I want to prove to others that when you have a dream, you have to chase it. I don't want to say I'm a role model. I'm still far from that, but if I can give someone a glimpse of what perseverance is all about, that's enough."
Du Toit considers his father, Johan, and his mother, Elrene, to be role models.
"My brother and I are who we are because of their love and support. I will be eternally grateful to them for that."
Kick-off for Monday's Varsity Cup game in Bloemfontein against the Shimlas is 7pm.