One of the most famous sayings in sports is that failure isn’t the end—it’s how you fight back that truly matters.

On Monday, 11 March, in Bloemfontein, Tuks demonstrated their resilience by thrashing CUT 63-26, just a week after their disappointing loss to Ikeys. The fourth round of the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup edition showcased high-scoring encounters, with three of the four winning teams racking over 50 points. NWU overpowered Shimlas 59-14, while UCT delivered a 71-17 victory against Wits.

At the top of the standings, Maties remain the only unbeaten team, leading with 20 points, followed by Tuks (17), Ikeys (15), Shimlas (12), and NWU (11).

The next three weeks will be crucial for these five teams as they battle for a place in the playoffs. Tuks, in particular, face a tough road ahead. They take on NWU at home on Monday, 17 March, followed by a challenging away fixture against Maties, before wrapping up their prelim phase with a home clash against UFS Shimlas. Tuks must win at least one of these encounters to secure a semi-final spot.

With momentum on their side, can Tuks rise to the occasion and keep their championship hopes alive? The next few weeks will be decisive.

The Tuks head coach, Dewey Swartbooi, emphasised that Varsity rugby is about winning the war, not the weekly battles. He answered that it was too early to smile when asked whether he was a happy coach after the team's convincing win against CUT.

"As things stand, Tuks have nothing to celebrate. We still have a lot of hard work to do before anyone can think about smiling. For now, it is about focusing on one game at a time, aiming to play better each time we take to the field."

The BSciSport student at UP-Tuks, David Engono, has been a standout player over the last two weeks. When seeing him play, it is hard to believe that he only turned 20 in February and that this is his Varsity Cup campaign. 

It is not hard to understand why. When asked what he brings to a team when he plays, Engono answered, "Many locks rely on their size to impact the game. Being 1.95 meters tall and weighing 102 kilograms, it is about my work rate. Sometimes, I am like an extra loose forward as I get around the field quite a bit, trying to disrupt running mauls and executing tackles. I am also quite good at supporting when we are on the attack."

Being a relatively latecomer to rugby means Engono is a forever student of the game. 

"I only started playing rugby in Grade Eight. So, whenever there is time, I watch rugby videos to learn what it takes to play at the highest level. Knowing what the greats in my position bring to the game is essential. I also have regular conversations with the senior members of the Tuks team to learn from their experience."

Engono credits his mom as being the person who inspires him the most. 

"Coming from not a lot, my mom has had to fight to succeed and to provide for our family. She will never give up, no matter what happens. I am striving to be the same."