After this remarkable recovery from the draw against UJ in the opening round, UP –Tuks have improved their spot on the log from fourth to third. UP-Tuks have seven log points, two behind NMMU (9) and three behind log leaders Pukke (10).

There was a great deal of dismay in the Wits camp at the post-match function because their coaching staff conceded they were convinced they could beat UP - Tuks beat after watching them in the warm-up match against Roodepoort and UJ in the opening round of the 2014 Varsity Cup competition.

“We have the consolation that we lost to a team that showed a lot of class. They were very good,” said Wits head coach Andy Royle.

Wits started the match in the most splendid style after scoring the opening try in the 2nd minute. This lead was short -lived however as UP - Tuks immediately retaliated and then never looked back. At half time ( 21-8 ) Wits were theoretically still in the picture, but in the last 40 minutes the visitors showed why they reigned supreme in 2012 and last year and again will be a strong contender for the championship crown .

“We played much better than against UJ and did what we set out to do. It is important now that we build on this performance with the clear intent of improving in those areas in which we are still falling short. We will have to be more patient when we are on the attack. It is as we are currently suffering from try-line fever and in this regard I will be expecting a marked improvement against Shimlas (on 17 February at the Tuks Stadium),” said Pote Human, UP-Tuks head coach.

►In the curtain raiser defending Young Guns champions, Tuks u.20 went on the rampage in the opening round of the 2014 competition. Tuks beat their Wits counterparts 136-2.