On Monday, 24 March, TuksRugby demonstrated that determination and resilience can turn the tide, securing a hard-fought 29-19 victory over Maties in Stellenbosch during Round 6 of the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup.

With this win, Tuks now leads the log with 26 points after six matches, edging out Maties, who sit second with 25 points. UCT Ikeys trail in third with 21 points, followed by UFS Shimlas (17) and North West Eagles (16).

Sports journalists are often accused of overusing clichés, but Tuks' remarkable turnaround truly reads like a modern-day sports fairy tale. Just two years ago, the team endured a disastrous campaign, suffering seven consecutive defeats and ultimately being relegated to the Shield series. However, they bounced back in spectacular fashion, winning the Shield and earning their place in the Varsity Cup once again.

At the start of the season, few would have predicted Tuks' dominant return. Yet, those who attended the team’s pre-season bonding camp saw a different story unfolding. In that moment, the players made a commitment—to each other and to their coaches—to restore the pride of TuksRugby. Six rounds into the competition, they are staying true to their word.

With the team now in pole position, TuksRugby fans have every reason to believe that this could be the start of something truly special.

That's why the Tuks head coach, Dewey Swartbooi, woke up this morning with a warm feeling in his heart. When asked if he thought Tuks could beat Maties in the Danie Craven Stadium, his honest answer was yes.

"I had a good feeling about what could happen. I knew it was going to be tough. Beating Maties on their home field requires a considerable effort. Still, I backed my team because I knew how motivated the guys were, how hard they worked, and how much they were prepared to sacrifice to make a dream come true. Beating Maties yesterday is definitely one of the highlights of my career as a coach. That feeling when the final whistle blew is one I will remember for a long time.

"The fact that we have qualified for the semi-finals means we are not resting on our laurels. On Monday we play Shimlas. It is going to be a titanic battle. Shimlas must beat us to have any chance of participating in the playoff rounds. What gives me confidence is the promise our players made to themselves that they would give their all not to lose on their home turf.

"Against Shimlas, our defensive play must be rock solid. The outstanding feature of rugby in Free State rugby is how they run with the ball. The Shimlas are no exception. They are going to come hard at us. Monday's game, to us, is the first of what we hope will be three finals. A game that we must win."

When asked what he considered to be the deciding moment in the game against Maties, Swartbooi said it was the try MJ Nel scored early on during the second half.

"This was the try that made the players realise they can beat Maties. From then on, everyone played with purpose and confidence. All in all, it was a genuine team effort. Still, I was impressed with how Jandre Burger (flyhalf) and Lilitha Matsiliza (lock) played. As a ten, Jandre played like a true general while Lilitha brought a physical presence to the field."