Tuks scored a try in the final minute of play to seal a 38-30 bonus-point victory over Ikeys in the Varsity Cup on Monday night.
The two teams could not be separated in an exciting first half delivering three tries each, while each side lost a player to the sin bin.
Tuks gave the University of Pretoria the lead just 25 seconds into the match when they won the ball back from the kick-off, spread it wide and flank Dian Schoonees showed great pace to sprint clear and go over the tryline.
The Univeristy of Cape Town’s Ikeys responded through a try from fullback Duran Koevort and a brace from hooker Alex Castle, both from mauls, the second coming after Tuks lost flank Orateng Koikanyang to a yellow card for repeated infringements.
However, Tuks were not to be outdone as Kabelo Mokoena scored in the corner, before centre Jason Edwards levelled the scores at 21-21 just before half time.
Schoonees had the home support on their feet shortly after the break when he scored his second try from a powerful driving maul, before fullback Stefan Coetzee kicked a penalty to give Tuks a 10-point lead.
Just when it looked like the hosts were taking control, Ikeys struck back as David Hayes chipped the ball over the defence and Koevort pounced to grab his second try, before nailing the conversion to make it a one-point game.
In a tense finale, Tuks were twice held up over the tryline, but it was third time lucky when scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde sniped through a gap near the breakdown for the decisive try after a period of 14 phases.
Earlier in the day, Shimlas continued their superb start to the season by winning their local derby against the CUT Ixias 48-27.
UP-Tuks – Tries: Dian Schoonees (2), Kabelo Mokoena, Jason Edwards, Bernard van der Linde. Conversions: Stefan Coetzee (5). Penalty: Coetzee.
UCT Ikeys – Tries: Duran Koevort (2), Alex Castle (2). Conversions: Duran Koevort (4).
UP-Tuks – 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Kabelo Mokoena, 13 Jason Edwards, 12 Lincoln Daniels (c), 11 Tharquinn Manuel, 10 Clyde Lewis, 9 Bernard van der Linde, 8 Hardus Rothmann, 7 Orateng Koikanyang, 6 Dian Schoonees, 5 Louis Meiring, 4 Divan Venter, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Alister Williams, 1 Andre van der Merwe.
Subs: 16 Werner Fourie, 17 Ethan Burger, 18 Danie Wessels, 19 Justice Nkombua, 20 Hilton Gie, 21 Frederick Malgas, 22 Campwill Willemse, 23 Ambesa Zenzile.
UCT Ikeys – 15 Duran Koevort, 14 Rihaz Fredericks, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Ruben Labuschagne, 11 Ntokozo Makhaza, 10 David Hayes, 9 William Rose (c), 8 Jason MacLeod Smith, 7 Taariq Kruger, 6 Siphumezo Dyonase, 5 Reynhardt Crous, 4 Matthew Grobler, 3 Keagan Glade, 2 Alex Castle, 1 Seth Christians.
Subs: 16 Keagan Blanckenberg, 17 Luthando Woji, 18 Alizwa Mngqeta, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Callum Whitson, 21 Kyle Bowman, 22 Justin Cross, 23 Rethabile Louw.
Photo: Catherine Kotze/Varsity Sports/ASEM Engage
