He agreed that Tuks’ defence was not on par last Monday.

“Our first first line of defence was not solid enough. Missing too many first time tackles made someone like (Matie centre) Dabeon Draghoender a thorn in our flesh,” added Grobler.

He is not surprised that Tuks are the underdogs for it will take a special performance to beat Maties twice at home in so many weeks.

“They are the defending champions. The last time we met they were sure of the first place on the log even before the match had started. This time the prize is so much bigger and they will play accordingly.”

Grobler only had to take on look at Maties’ bench to know that they aim to neutralize Tuks up front.

“Their impact players will pose a bigger physical challenge than last Monday, but I am confident that we’ll still have the upper hand in the battle of the packs. It will be necessary to dominate here since that will allow us to turn them around – the one thing they don’t like,” said Grobler.

Tuks will not field their strongest side, mainly due to injuries.

“We had to make two forced changes to the 22 only this weekend. The first was on Saturday after (replacement fly half) Juan-Claude Roos failed a fitness test. His ankle injury forced us to withdraw him from the side. The second setback was today (Sunday) when we were informed that Marnus Schoeman (flank) has been called up by the Blue Bulls for Vodacom Cup duty.”

Roos will be replaced by Jaco Oosthuizen on the bench, while Willie Nel takes over from Schoeman in the No 6 jersey. Danie Crous is the new replacement loose forward.

Tuks team is:

15 Shaun Davids, 14 Kruger van Heerden, 13 Luvuyo Mhlobiso, 12 Piet Swart, 11 Clayton Blommetjies, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Christian van den Berg, 8 Daniel Nicholls, 7 Devin Oosthuizen, 6 Willie Nel, 5 Peet Botma, 4 Johan de Bruin (captain), 3 Jacques Botha, 2 Corné Fourie, 1 Ettienne Breytenbach.
Replacements: 16 Peet Vorster, 17 Rossouw de Klerk, 18 Duncan Naude, Danie Crous 20 Ignick Windvogel, 21 Jaco oosthuizen, 22 Sampie Mastriet.