Every time Tuks plays Maties in a Varsity Cup clash, the one sure thing is that it will be a humdinger. Monday will be no exception.
There are always more at stake than a mere victory for the players. Pride is a significant factor. Players are prepared to put their bodies on the line. At Tuks, it is called playing for the “Stripe”.
There is a good reason for this passion. Tuks versus Maties is one of the oldest rivalries in South African rugby. It has been going on for more than 100 years. So it is no surprise that the two teams have dominated. Since 2008 Maties have won the Varsity Cup Tournament on five occasions. Tuks have got four titles to their name. Of the 22 encounters played so far, Maties have won 13 and Tuks eight. The teams played to a draw once.
Last year Maties got the better of Tuks in the pool game, winning 31-24. Tuks had its revenge in the semifinal, winning 44-35. Tuks went on to win the Varsity Cup beating Ikeys 34-27 in the final.
However, Tuks’s head coach, Nico Luus, believes what happened, happened. It was nice to win, but being 2021 champions is now a mere statistic. To Luus, every Varsity Cup Tournament comes with its own unique challenges.
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‘This is the 15th season of this amazing tournament, and fans can expect to be entertained on and off the field over the next few months.’
The FNB Varsity Cup tournament kicks off on 14 February. All 10 teams will be in action over the course of nine rounds, with no byes.
