Tuks getting closer to secure Varsity Cup semi-final place
The Varsity Cup team from Tuks achieved their fifth victory in this year's tournament on Monday night to put themselves in a favourable position to reach the semi-finals of the series.
Defending Varsity Cup champions Tuks are one bonus point victory away from qualifying for the semi-finals of this year’s tournament
After their 39-24 bonus-point win against a plucky Wits team on Monday night, Tuks is now third on the competition’s log.
Scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde, who returned to the Tuks team after being called up by the Blue Bulls last week for service in the Currie Cup tournament, was once again one of the Pretoria students’ big stars.
His service behind the scrum is excellent, his cover defence is top standard and his good supportive play means that he is regularly present to either take promising moves further or to finish the move by himself.
Van der Linde is currently playing with great confidence, as evidenced by his try on Monday night, after he caught Wits asleep with a quick tap-kick when his team was awarded a penalty.
The first half of the game did not produce much excitement and at half-time the scoreboard also showed that neither team could dominate the other, with Tuks leading 19-17.
Eventually, Tuks’ victory was clinched in the second half. While there was still nothing to choose between the two teams at half time, the home team accelerated the pace and got the scoreboard rolling in the last shift.
Two tries for Tuks shortly after half-time meant that the Johannesburg students had to chase the score, while Tuks could afford to rather strengthen their structures and play percentage rugby.
Thereafter followed two late penalties by fullback Clyde Lewis, which eventually put the result beyond doubt.
Although Tuks can basically book their place in the semi-finals with a bonus point victory next week, it will not be easy at all. Both of their last two opponents – the Shimlas of Bloemfontein and the University of Johannesburg – are also still in the race for a place among the top four.
Therefore, two very tough matches, both away from home, are still waiting for Nico Luus’ men before they can plan beyond the league phase.
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