Varsity Cup - FNB Tuks 33–17 FNB Maties

Rugby

Mar 3

2 March 2026, Tuks Stadium, Pretoria

FNB UP-Tuks maintained their unbeaten run in the Varsity Cup with a 33–17 victory over FNB Maties in Pretoria, overturning a first-half deficit with a disciplined and clinical second-half display.

The contest opened at high intensity, with both sides bringing physicality from the outset. Tuks struck first through Jean Fourie, who powered over from a driving maul after sustained pressure inside the Maties 22.

However, the momentum soon shifted. Tuks were guilty of several handling errors and lapses in execution during the first half, allowing Maties to capitalise. The visitors responded with back-to-back tries — CJ Erasmus finishing from a maul before Ryan Manuel intercepted to score. Christiaan van Heerden Smith controlled proceedings from the tee and added a penalty, stretching Maties’ advantage to 17–5 at the break.

Maties’ tactical approach also stood out, repeatedly launching contestable kicks and high balls that tested Tuks under pressure. The strategy disrupted rhythm and suggested deliberate targeting of the hosts’ aerial defence.

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The second half told a different story.

Tuks emerged more composed and direct, reducing unforced errors and returning to a structured, forward-driven approach. Munashe Dukuswa cut through to narrow the gap, before scrum dominance created opportunities that Ben Jansen van Vuuren converted to level the scores.

From there, momentum swung firmly in favour of the home side. Fourie completed his brace from another maul, and Jayd Austin added the final score to cap a strong individual performance.

Tuks ran in 28 unanswered points after halftime, turning a 12-point deficit into a decisive victory. The result keeps them at the top of the standings and underlines their ability to adapt when momentum shifts.