A true team effort—that’s how UP-Tuks head coach Dewey Swartbooi described his side’s commanding 35-8 away victory over Wits in their 2025 FNB Varsity Cup opener.

The build-up to Monday’s match was anything but smooth. Despite the setback, Tuks delivered a dominant performance to start their campaign on a high.

It also rained cats and dogs, to use the words of the team's captain, Dillion Smith. As a coach, Swartbooi believes that players can do nothing to counteract the forces of nature.

"For the players, it was a case of adapt or die. I am incredibly proud of how the players came to the party. In rugby, there is a lot of talk about forwards having to play together under the proverbial blanket. That happened on Monday. The forwards controlled the ball for most of the match. When the backline started running with the ball, it looked good. How the backs and forwards gelled as a team excites me about the rest of the tournament."

Smith, playing as eightman, was the Player that Rocks. According to Swartbooi, it is well deserved.

"Dillion's work rate was at the next level. He also caused turnovers at crucial times. To sum up, as captain, he led by example."

Monday was the first time Smith played Varsity Cup rugby. According to him, he just did what is expected of a good number eight. When asked what he meant, he answered, "I made quite a few tackles."

"On two occasions when the team was under pressure, I was lucky to make a difference. The one time Wits were on the attack, they were only about five metres from our goal line. I managed to steal the ball and force a penalty."

A final score of 35-8 makes one think that Tuks won easily. According to Smith, scores can be misleading.

"By the end of the first half, the score was only 14-3. Wits were on the attack. Our defensive play was tested to the limit. The fact that we could prevent Wits from scoring points was a psychological victory."

Allistair Williams (3), Christiaan Vlok, and Munashe Dukuswa were the try scorers against Wits. JP Wentzel converted all five tries.

On Monday, 24 February, Tuks plays at home against UJ in Round 2. The Johannesburgers lost 29-13 to CUT in their opener. For Swartbooi, the result means nothing.

"I expect a furious onslaught from UJ. Remember the last time we played them in the Varsity Cup? They won.

"The one thing we're going to work on this week is improving the way we retain possession. If we can do that against UJ and take the ball through the phases, it's going to be exciting rugby.