Size does not matter to Tuks rugby captain, Stephan Smit

Being 1.87 metres tall and weighing 95kg Stephan Smit is considered too small to play as a flanker.

But at Tuks since 2018, his is one of the first names to be dotted down when the team to play Varsity Cup, or USSA rugby is selected. Commentators who saw him play described Smit as the player any coach could go to war with. And with good reason. He never seems to tire. He will put his body on the line time and time again.

When it comes to the defence of Tuks's tryline Smit, it is a case that the bigger you are, the harder you are going down. He will often execute three to four massive tackles in mere minutes - saving matches. He also seems to have real anticipation for the game, popping up at the right moment to take a vital pass. When that happens, it usually means points on the scoreboard.

If the captain is that committed, it should be no surprise that yesterday Tuks outplayed UWC in their first USSA Tournament encounter. When the referee's whistle blew for the last time, the score was Tuks 54 and UWC 23. Tomorrow at 15:00, Tuks will play Wits. Tuks is hosting the USSA Tournament.