“Anything is possible in a final, but Maties have proved on too many occasions that they are the team for the big moment, when it’s every thing or nothing. Their performance against us in the semi-final is the most recent example of how they can rise to the occasion like a true champion,” said Grobler.

Grobler added that Pukke on at home in a packed Danie Craven Stadium will be another huge advantage for Maties.

“The know how to win, but even more so on their home turf,” said Grobler.

Reflecting in is team’s performance in the semi-final Grobler said it was a big disappointment because Tuks contributed to their own downfall.

“I would be the first to say that our performance was not on par, as I would be the first to congratulate Maties with their convincing win. They played clever winning rugby and are blessed with such depth and talent that the difference between the number one and four in almost every position is hardly notable,” said Grobler.

One can never be content with a fourth place on the log, but Grobler still maintains that Tuks accomplished what they set out to do when the season started: to reach the semi-finals.

“We definitely have a lot of soul searching to do, but there is no use in keeping on crying over something that’s not going to be. Much more important now is to shift our focus to the Carlton Cup competition in order to defend our title successfully,” said the Tuks coach.