Earlier on Wednesday Tuks came back strongly in the last quarter of their match against hosts UJ.

Tuks were trailing at the start of the last quarter, but still manage to squeeze home by 41-39.

Team manager Jenny van Dyk said the University of Pretoria can be proud of the way in which Tuks kept the flag flying high at all times.

“The players gave everything they had to reach the final, but it was not to be. We are disappointed with the result, but proud of the team,” said Van Dyk.

Tuks will play Maties in the 3rd/4th play-off on Thursday, 2 July — the same opponents they beat 48-37 on Tuesday (30 June).