Tuks’ Varsity Cup campaign was ended last night by Ikeys, yet the men in the “Boys in playing in the Stripes” can hold their heads high.
At the start of the year, few would have bet that Tuks, who played in the Varsity Shield series last year, would play in the semi-finals of the Cup Tournament this year.
But then again, Tuks was a team with a mission. It was to restore pride in the coveted striped jersey—or, as the players call it, to leave the jersey in a better place than they found it. And they did.
Last night’s semi-final against Ikeys will be remembered as a game of missed chances. Tuks were their own worst enemy at critical times. Mistakes were made. Poor discipline also cost the team. This enabled Ikeys to win 48-35.
It is easy to criticize from the sidelines, but what was worrisome is why Tuks did not want to kick at the goal when they were awarded a penalty kick within striking distance. In any final, every point counts. It is not about how you win, but if you win, that matters in the end. There were at least five opportunities for Tuks to score points from penalties.
Wits probably clinched the game in the first 12 minutes when they scored twice, giving them a 14-point lead. Tuks had to play catch-up for the rest of the game.
Yet Tuks was impressed with how they never gave up. Every player gave their all until the last minute, but then there were those mistakes.
One of the best tries scored was undoubtedly when Andile Myeni dotted down. It was Kamohelo Tlome who instigated the move that led to the try. The number six flank cut beautifully through a gap and ran almost 50 metres. He was only stopped a metre from the goal line.
Cayno February (flank) was one of Tuks’ unsung heroes of the Varsity Cup. He is so effective at what he does that it is almost taken for granted. Just watch the videos of Tuks’ matches. So often, it is February who makes a crucial tackle. The one who steals the ball ranks high in the lineout to catch the ball or bursts through opponents’ defences with the ball in hand.
No team plays to lose, especially not Varsity Cup rugby. Yet 2025 will be remembered as one of the special years in Tuks rugby. Dewey Swartbooi and his men laid the foundation for Tuks rugby to go from strength to strength again.