The best of all is that is that UP-Tuks went into the final as underdogs because Maties had been the pacesetters in the group phase, topping the log with a 100% success rate. UP-Tuks, on the other hand were beaten in three of their seven group matches with Maties being one of the opponents they lost to.

But all this proved to be meaningless statistics as UP-Tuks were simply unstoppable when it mattered most. After managing an early stranglehold on the final, UP-Tuks never let go. They were relentless in their onslaught, showing Maties no respect at all.

At the break UP-Tuks already had their noses well in front, but instead of defending their 24-0 lead they put Maties under even more pressure in the second half. As such the result was never in doubt as Maties still had no answer to UP-Tuks’ clinical game plan execution. The defending champions did not do anything out of the ordinary, but what they did they did so well that Maties had no chance of turning the tables. They were in fact trapped and taught a humiliating rugby lesson in ‘how to not win finals’ – one that will haunt them for a long time to come.

UP-Tuks’ brilliance left even members of the coaching staff at a loss for words. Said head coach Nollis Marais: “I asked you to defend the title with success and you did exactly that – in the most spectacular way imaginable. True champions you are, true heroes you will always be. There is nothing more I can add.”

Prof Antonie De Klerk, the University’s Executive Director responsible for sport, commented: “Your performance today will go down in history as one of the best ever by a Tuks team. It was absolutely awesome. You made us very proud.”