Ignick Windvogel (scrumhalf) and Ernie Kruger (outside centre) were not considered due to minor injuries, but should be ready to take on Pukke on February 1.

The Marais brothers, Wesleigh and Donnovan will do duty against the Eagles, respectively at scrumhalf and outside centre.

The serious injuries of locks Perd (Erich) van der Westhuizen and Meiring de Klerk necessitated flanker Francois van Wyk’s redeployment in the No 5 jersey. Francois made a huge impression in Tuks’ first games of the season.

Star performances in Tuks’ earlier warm up matches have seen players like Chris Crous (hooker), Marius Oosthuizen (flanker), Marius Weber (No 8), Dirk Dippenaar (right wing) and Gertjie Smith (fullback) becoming first choices in their respective positions.

On Tuks' performance in the first game against the Eagles (23-15) Freddie said it was one of the best he had watched as coach.

"If one takes into account that our second stringers beat a virtually full strength provincial team, the use of adjectives such as brilliant certainly applies. Before the game we had heard how their supporters refer to us as the 'boys' trying to compete against the Eagles 'men'. I'm very excited about our depth and the many players who showed they are ready for Varsity Cup action, "said Freddie added.

In the same breath Freddie warned that Tuks will have to steel themselves for a tremendous backlash from the Eagles on Friday.

"The defeat in the first game has certainly hurt. A lot of lost pride is at stake and they will moreover be better equipped, especially in the backline," Freddie added.

Tuks’ team is:

Gertjie Smith; Dirk Dippenaar, Donnovan Marais, Franco Booysen, Aaron Denenga; Shaun Davids (c), Wesleigh Marais; Marius Weber, Marius Oosthuizen, Warwick Tecklenberg, Francois van Wyk, Tiaan Nel, Hein Viljoen, Chris Crous, Ettiene Breytenbach. Replacements: AJ le Roux, Vusa Maleka, Franco Mostert, Louis van Biljon, Zylon McGaffen, Fanie Booysen, JW Bell, Danie Oosthuizen.