Every time Tuks plays Maties in a Varsity Cup clash, the one sure thing is that it will be a humdinger. Monday will be no exception.

There are always more at stake than a mere victory for the players. Pride is a significant factor. Players are prepared to put their bodies on the line. At Tuks, it is called playing for the “Stripe”.

There is a good reason for this passion. Tuks versus Maties is one of the oldest rivalries in South African rugby. It has been going on for more than 100 years. So, it is no surprise that the two teams have dominated. Since 2008 Maties have won the Varsity Cup Tournament on five occasions. Tuks have got four titles to their name. Of the 22 encounters played so far, Maties have won 13 and Tuks eight. The teams played to a draw once.

Last year Maties got the better of Tuks in the pool game, winning 31-24. Tuks had its revenge in the semi-final, winning 44-35. Tuks went on to win the Varsity Cup beating Ikeys 34-27 in the final.

However, Tuks head coach, Nico Luus, believes what happened, happened. It was nice to win, but being 2021 champions is now a mere statistic. To Luus, every Varsity Cup Tournament comes with its own unique challenges.

“We got a relatively young and inexperienced side. On Monday against Maties, half of our backline might make their Varsity Cup debut. We definitely also lack experience in our front row. Tuks’ Varsity campaign will depend on how long the players take to get used to the demands of playing Varsity Cup rugby,” said the Pretoria team’s head coach.

Luus says only 13 of last year’s squad of 36 is still available to play for Tuks.

“Quite a few of last year’s players are playing provincial rugby. If you count the Tuks players currently playing for Griquas and the Pumas, you will be astonished. Five of our players have gone on to play rugby in the USA. One can claim it is exciting. It proves that coaching structures at Tuks are working. But our success is also a two-edged sword. It comes with pressure.

“It should be remembered that in South Africa, there are only so many rugby players. Currently, they are playing the United Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup. The Varsity Cup starts on Monday.

“In Pretoria, we got three teams who are vying for basically for the same pool of players. The Bulls will rightfully always have the first choice for whom they want to play for them. As things stand, they are looking for props. The problem is that prop is such a specialised position. You can’t just get anyone to pack in the front row.

“Still, I think we got a good team. We are under no illusions as to what awaits us. Tuks is the team that everyone will want to beat. I think our backline play is going to be exciting. The players might be young, but they got flair.”

The kick-off on Monday is at 19:00 in the Tuks Rugby stadium.

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