Defending champions FNB UP Tuks are on the hunt for a record sixth FNB Varsity Cup title when the 2023 competition gets going on 20 February. If they managed to lift the coveted trophy again, it will be for the third consecutive time.
TUKS 2022 results: Played: 11, Won: 8, Lost: 3 Log position: 4th / Beat FNB Maties in the final (29-23)
Nico Luus’ troops had an inconsistent start to the 2022 Varsity Cup with a loss against five-time champions FNB Maties but he believes his side has what it takes to go all the way once again.
“I think the most important thing is to put new structures in place, which is important to get through this phase without injuries. We have one or two niggles but I am very happy with where we are currently.”
The success of Tuks in the Varsity Cup is evident in a handful of their players – Kabelo Mokoena, Francois Klopper, Bernard van der Linde - taking a massive leap up via the Bulls to the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup.
Tuks only have three home games this season. The Pretoria-based outfit resume their title defence against FNB UFS Shimlas, a side they lost to in the first round-robin round match last year but managed to overcome in the semi-finals.
“It’s a big one, I think they’re up for revenge after the game last year in the semi-final. They ended last year number one in the pool stages, for us it is the only game we are focusing on.
“You can only control what you can control, that’s what we got, three home games and we need to make the best of it and win one or two away games. But if you want to be champions of this competition you need to be consistent in your performances,” says Luus.
Fixtures:
20/02/2023 FNB Up Tuks vs FNB UFS Shimlas - Tuks Stadium
27/02/2023 FNB UCT Ikeys vs FNB UP Tuks - UCT
06/03/2023 FNB CUT Ixias vs FNB UP Tuks - CUT
13/03/2023 FNB UP Tuks vs FNB NWU Eagles - TBC
20/03/2023 FNB Maties vs FNB UP Tuks - Danie Craven Stadium
27/03/2023 FNB Wits vs FNB UP Tuks - Wits
03/04/2023 FNB UP Tuks vs FNB UJ - Tuks Stadium
