When the table-topping Stormers take on Ulster in a United Rugby Championship (URC) match in Belfast on Friday night, they’ll also come up against a familiar and formidable figure in Juarno Augustus.
The powerful No 8, known as “Trokkie” since his time in Cape Town, has flourished since leaving the Stormers, first starring for Northampton Saints and now adding serious punch to Ulster’s forward effort.
Augustus heads into the round 17 clash at the Affidea Stadium (8.45pm kick-off) in ominous form. He was named Player of the Match as Ulster powered into the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 29-12 win over Exeter Chiefs at home on Saturday. In a standout display, he gained 50 metres with his 14 carries, beat three defenders, scored the opening try and was only narrowly denied a second after being held up over the line.
Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits.
“I coached Trokkie a couple of years ago, so he’s a player I know really, really well,” Hlungwani said, at a Stormers media conference on Monday. “He’s a good person, comes from a great family, and I’m really proud of what he’s achieved since he left us.”
But sentiment quickly gives way to pragmatism. Augustus has become a central figure in Ulster’s ability to generate momentum, and the Stormers are under no illusions about the importance of containing the 28-year-old loose forward.
“He’s given them an extra layer to their attack,” Hlungwani explained.
“He did the same thing for Northampton Saints for a couple of years, and is a good ball carrier. That go-forward ball he provides really helps them a lot.”
Neutralising that influence will be a key battleground in what is expected to be another tight contest between the sides, as the Stormers chase a first URC victory against Ulster in Belfast.
“For us, it’s about making sure we handle his power,” Hlungwani said. “We feel like we’ve got players with good stopping power and good carrying ability who can match that and hopefully neutralise him.”
With both teams chasing crucial log positions, Friday’s clash could hinge on that physical duel where a former Stormer, now in peak form, stands ready to test his old side.
