Losing three games in a row is certainly different from how the defending Varsity Cup champions, Tuks, hoped to kick off their 2023 FNB Varsity Cup campaign. 

As things stand, Tuks is bottom of the log with only three points to their name. North West University and Wits are leading upfront with 12 points and 11 points respectively. 

According to the big centre, Pierre Fourie, writing Tuks off would be a mistake. 

"To be honest, in our first game against Shimlas, we did play badly. But Monday's result of losing 40-19 to Ikeys is not a true reflection of our performance. We played against a headwind in the first half. It had a significant impact as we had to adapt our game plan, as kicking the ball was not an option. 

"I feel that we played the better rugby in the second half. We had the Ikeys pinned behind their 22-metre line area. Unfortunately, we could not capitalise on our dominance because of 'small' errors at crucial times. If that happens, you don't win games."

Fourie backs him and his teammates to get back to winning ways.

"If we go onto the field with a positive mindset, play as a team and limit making mistakes at crucial moments, there is no reason for us not to win. We can do so because we had a good buildup to the tournament."

Fourie plays inside the centre for Tuks. Being 1.94 metres tall and weighing 100 kilograms means his style of play is very similar to that of the Springbok international, Damian de Allende. 

"I am the kinda centre who tries to get the team over the advantage line setting up scoring opportunities. It means getting physical, sometimes taking hard knocks."

For the record, De Allende is 1.91 metres tall and weighs 105 kilograms.

According to Fourie, he played in the backline from when he debuted in "Bulletjie" rugby.

"One coach tried to get me to play lock, but he quickly realised it would not work."

Fourie describes himself as a late developer. 

"At Affies, I started playing for the under-14F team, then the under-15D-side. It was only later that I began to impact as a centre. I played a few games for our first team in my matric year. Unfortunately, I got injured quite early on."

Before being fully focused to play rugby, Fourie also played a few games for Affies' first cricket team. He was an all-rounder - a fast bowler who could score centuries. 

When asked about his goals, Fourie said, first and foremost, he wants to make sure he completes his BSc Quantity Surveying qualification.

"I would not mind getting a contract to play professional rugby next year, but there are never guarantees in sports. That is why getting a degree is so important."

Fourie credits his dad, Jacques, as his role model or go-to guy. 

"I can talk about anything to my dad. He has a way of helping me get new perspectives about things that might bother me."