Experts were in agreement that Maties won because they used their chances so much better than UP-Tuks. As one expert put it: “Maties played as a team, a unit. UP-Tuks did not.”

Damning as this may sound, UP-Tuks’ 2013 track record (two defeats in four games) does indeed not paint the picture of a team that believes in itself despite the abundance of talent and depth at its disposal. There is lot of individual brilliance, but little or no team synergy. And it shows best on how UP-Tuks 1 loses the plot time after time when it has the try-line in sight.

The biggest challenge UP-Tuks 1 head coach, Nollis Marais faces, is to get to the root of the team cohesion problem fast in order to get his team back on track. Marais’ charges have not been at their best in any of their four matches and it will be a tall order to make the necessary adjustments whilst the pressure mounts week after week.

As is, UP-Tuks have only one home match remaining in the group phase. This is on Monday (4 March) at the Tuks Stadium against Varsity Cup newcomers Wits. After four consecutive defeats, Wits are the wooden spoon favourites. It is never wise to underestimate even the ‘weakest’ opponent, but UP-Tuks should, for the very last time, have more breathing space in which to regain the momentum and confidence needed for the concluding group matches against UJ in Johannesburg on 11 March and NMMU in Port Elizabeth a week later.

► UP-Tuks’ 16 points came off a try by prop Juan Schoeman and a penalty try. Tian Schoeman succeeded with the conversions.