A convincing 63-8 victory over Central University of Technology in Pretoria saw Tuks move past the unbeaten Shimlas to the top of the Varsity Cup rugby standings on Monday night.
Shimlas claimed a last-gasp 23-21 victory over NMMU in Port Elizabeth, but that was not enough to keep their place at the top of the log as the rampant Tukkies moved past them on points difference.
After conceding three early tries, the NMMU Madibaz fought back bravely at home against Shimlas, only to have their hearts broken by a late penalty which left them languishing in seventh place on the log with just one win.
There were also wins for the two Cape sides as three-time champions Maties notched their first win of the season by edging UJ 16-15 in Stellenbosch, while UCT beat Pukke 40-21 in a replay of last year's final in Potchefstroom.
