Tuks coach left speechless

It was the first time in his coaching career that he has been at a complete loss for words.

That is how FNB Tuks coach Freddie Grobler reacted after his team's disastrous FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International performance against FNB Shimlas in Bloemfontein.

Tuks, who at one stage this season were on top of the Varsity Cup log, have suffered two losses in a row over the past fortnight; first at home to UCT (22-24), before taking a hammering from Shimlas this past week, losing 22-39.

"I am still very much dumbfounded. After two consecutive defeats we are now under such pressure that the game against UJ (Monday, March 9) could be a case of make or break in qualifying for the play-offs," said Grobler to varsitycup.co.za.

"On paper we have one of the best teams in the series and the potential to win it. We are, however, not even close to playing to our true potential," added Grobler.

"This weakness is the main reason why we struggle to stick to the gameplan. We play as individuals and not with the cohesion of a tight unit."

The only good news is that everything is not lost, because Tukkies are still third on the Varsity Cup log with 15 points - behind UCT (20) and the Maties (22). Pukke, however, are just one place adrift on 14 points.

"We will address our shortcomings this week because there is still a lot to play for," said a determined Grobler.

"We were outplayed by Shimlas because of a lack of urgency and passion. We need to make less basic mistakes and concentrate better when the pressure mounts. If not, we will pay the same high price as in our last two games."

By Morris Gilbert