“We were under a lot of pressure after losing at home to TUT and in our hearts we knew the match against Pukke would make or break our semi-final aspirations,” added Marais.

He commended his team on a very structured performance, but was also first to point out that “we will have to up our game for our next match (against Shimlas on 29 February in Bloemfontein) as we are not out the woods yet.”

Tuks flanker Wesley Kotze will not be eligible for selection as he was concussed against Pukke. Jono Ross, who missed the Potchefstroom outing due to injury, looks set replace Kotze in the starting 15.