UP-Tuks’ win against UJ has given the defending champion a shot at also hosting a semi-final. They are three points ahead of third placed Pukke (18), but still need to beat NMMU on Monday (18 March) in the last round of the group phase of the competition. The match takes place in Port Elizabeth and a positive result is of even of more importance for the Madibaz. For them it is a case of do or die as they have to beat UP-Tuks to stay in the semi-final race.

UP-Tuks deserve praise as a team, as they showed a lot of guts and character; but Mbonambi, flanker Shaun Adendorff, fly-half Willie du Plessis and the exciting new centre pair of Handre Pollard and Piet Lindeque deserve special mention. Pollard celebrated his 19th birthday with a brilliant individual performance. He had a 100% strike rate with his goal kicking (5 from 5 for an individual contribution of 14 points) and also impressed with his positional play in the No 12 jersey.

UP-Tuks’ tries were scored by Clayton Blommetjies, Adendorff, Ludick and Skosan. Pollard succeeded with all four conversions and a penalty goal.