Tuks book place in Varsity Cup semifinal with victory over Maties

Tuks' rugby team proved last night in Stellenbosch that where there is a will, there is a way when they beat Maties 29-19 in the Varsity Cup Tournament.

The result means that Tuks now tops the Varsity log with 26 points after six matches. Maties are second with 25 points. Ikeys have 21 points, Shimlas 17 and the Noordwes Eagles 16.

Sports journalists are often accused of being the masters of clichés. Hence, the boldness in describing Tuks' on-field heroics in the Varsity Cup rugby as a modern sports fairy tale playing out in real-time. Two years ago, the team was down and out after seven consecutive defeats in the tournament.

This led to Tuks playing in the Shield series last year, and Tuks won.

If the fans are honest with themselves, few would have bet money on Tuks being such a force in their first year back playing Varsity Cup rugby. But those who attended the Tuks team-building exercise earlier this year would know something was up.

The players pledged to each other and the coaches that they would restore the honour of TuksRugby. They are keeping their word.

That's why Tuks coach Dewey Swartbooi woke up this morning with a warm feeling in his heart. When asked if he thought Tuks could beat Maties in the Danie Craven Stadium, his honest answer was yes.

"I had a good feeling about what could happen. I knew it was going to be tough. Beating Maties on their home field requires a considerable effort. Still, I backed my team because I knew how motivated the guys were, how hard they worked, and how much they were prepared to sacrifice to make a dream come true.

"Beating Maties yesterday is definitely one of the highlights of my career as a coach. That feeling when the final whistle blew, is one I will remember for a long time.

"The fact that we have qualified for the semifinals means we are not resting on our laurels. On Monday we play Shimlas. It is going to be a titanic battle.

Shimlas must beat us to have any chance of participating in the play-off rounds. What gives me confidence is the promise our players made to themselves that they would give their all not to lose on their home turf.

"Against Shimlas, our defensive play must be rock solid. The outstanding feature of rugby in Free State rugby is how they run with the ball. The Shimlas are no exception.

"They are going to come hard at us. Monday's game, to us, is the first of what we hope will be three finals. A game that we must win."

When asked what he considered to be the deciding moment in the game against Maties, Swartbooi said it was the try MJ Nel scored early on during the second half.

"This was the try that made the players realise they can beat Maties. From then everyone played with purpose and confidence. All in all, it was a genuine team effort. Still, I was impressed with how Jandre Burger (flyhalf) and Lilitha Matsiliza (lock) played. As a ten, Jandre played like a true general while Lilitha brought a physical presence to the field."