The TuksWomensRugby team has one clear objective heading into Round 2 of the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup Women—to win. A victory against UJ on Friday, 21 March, would all but guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals.

It won’t be an easy task. UJ, Tuks, and Maties remain the only undefeated teams in the competition, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

Last Friday, Tuks battled through a nail-biter against UWC in Cape Town, securing a hard-fought 15-12 victory. Captain Jessica Maré summed it up best—"A very happy captain."

"To come away with a win, especially in an away game, is always special. What excited me most was the way we defended the entire game. I was also impressed with how the team stepped up when under pressure. We showed heart in harsh conditions. It was pretty hot while we played. Playing against the wind was also challenging. 

"One of the things we will be focusing on in the buildup to Friday's game is executing better when we are on the attack. There were moments in the match against UWC where we showed that we could be lethal with the ball in hand. Unfortunately, mistakes at crucial moments cost us. When it happened, we were the team that needed to defend.

"As forwards, we are definitely not going to rest on our laurels. I think we can still be better in the set pieces, especially our scrums."

When pressured to say which of her teammates impressed her, Mare said it is always tricky to answer. 

"If I have to give a shoutout to anyone, it would be my fellow loose forwards Thandi Mokatse and Kheselina Rens. Their work rate was exceptional, especially in the defensive efforts and rush defense, putting UWC under constant pressure."

The Tuks fans, who will hopefully be in mass on Friday to support the women's team when they take on UJ, should take note of Precious Tlaka's play as flyhalf.

The first-year BEd student and vice-captain has played for the Bulls Daisies under-18 and under-20 teams. She hopes to model her play on that of her role models, the Springboks, Handre Pollard, and Manie Libbok.

"If I can master the best traits of both of them, I will be an all-round flyhalf."

Rugby was not always Tlaka's preferred sport. At school, she excelled in tennis, athletics, and football. When a friend invited her to try out for rugby, everything changed. It did not take long for her to get hooked on the game. Her parents were initially not too excited about her playing rugby.

"I believe it is because I am small in stature. My parents were afraid that I might get seriously injured. But after seeing me play, they became big supporters."