Tuks needed the win after suffering three consecutive defeats in the opening three rounds of the FNB Varsity Cup – and nothing less than a convincing win would have done for the men from Pretoria.
In contrast, UJ were coming off three consecutive wins and were looking to remain undefeated after four rounds. However, a try by Tuks as early as the fifth minute suggested it was going to be easier said than done.
Following rain just before kickoff, Tuks adapted to the conditions the best, with a superb defence and tactical kicking outplaying a UJ outfit that struggled to hold onto the ball in the wet conditions. A great touch kick from Tuks led to a lineout on UJ’s five-metre line. The Pretoria men made it count, scoring the match’s opening try through a strong rolling maul.
Tuks continued to apply pressure through well-placed territorial kicking which produced a penalty in the 17th minute. Joshua Stander stepped up to add the three points. The remainder of the first half was dominated by reset scrums as neither side was able to gain ascendancy on the wet pitch.
UJ started the second half well with their first try of the match in the 43rd minute, but that would be the first and last time Tuks’ defence would be breached.
Ultimately, it was Tuks’ strong defence, superior lineout and the ability to adapt to the conditions that landed them their first win of the season.
How it played out:
FNB Player That Rocks, Corniel Els (FNB Tuks)
Scorers
FNB UJ: Five-point tries: Johannes Snyman; Pens: Divan Nel
FNB Tuks: Nine-point tries: Andre Warner; Five-points tries: Corniel Els, Aston Fortuin, Duncan Matthews and Marco van Staden
Conversions: Joshua Stander (4).
