Augustus' golden opportunity to stake Bok claim

SPOTLIGHT: Juarno Augustus and Arno Botha, two former Junior Springbok giants, have left tyre tracks across rugby’s highway.

The two South African powerhouse No.8s have each carried their teams to the edge of European glory this season.

In this weekend’s semifinals of the Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, they are the anchors of hope for their respective clubs — Augustus for Northampton Saints, and Botha for Lyon.

For Augustus, nicknamed ‘Trokkie’ for his truck-like carries, it’s a chance to barrel toward a Springbok dream that eluded Botha, whose own path was derailed a decade ago.

At 27 years old, Augustus is a 32-wheeler in his prime. Northampton’s spearhead, he’s racked up seven tries this season. Five in the Champions Cup alone. His 80 appearances cemented him as one of Europe’s most fearsome carriers.

Last week, he powered over for a try in the Saints’ 48-31 demolition of Bristol Bears in the English Premiership.

Now, he faces a colossal challenge: toppling four-time European Cup kings Leinster at Dublin’s Lansdowne Road Stadium.

His story began with a roar at the 2017 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, where he bulldozed defences, scoring seven tries in five games to clinch the Player of the Tournament award.

From Stormers and Western Province to Northampton’s 2023-24 Premiership triumph, Trokkie has built up a head of steam to be unstoppable this season.

Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson labelled him “an incredible rugby player” and “an absolute beast” after last season’s Champions Cup quarterfinal rout of the Bulls.

As he gears up for a move to Ulster next season, Augustus has his eyes set on silverware and a Springbok call-up from Rassie Erasmus.

Botha, now 33-years-old, trod a similar path years ago. Captain of the Junior Springboks in 2011 and SA Rugby U20 Player of the Year, he was tipped for greatness.

But a brutal knee injury in 2013, in his second and final Test, shattered his Bok hopes, opening the door for 21-year-old Siya Kolisi’s iconic Test debut.

A move to Europe followed after three seasons at the Bulls and Botha’s grit shone through in stints with London Irish and Munster before a return to Pretoria where he won back-to-back Currie Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.

Since landing at Lyon in 2022, he’s been the cornerstone of the pack and his contract was duly extended until 2026.

On Sunday, he leads Lyon against Racing 92 at Matmut Stadium de Gerland, chasing a second EPCR Challenge Cup Final since their 2022 title.

Like Augustus, Botha is an imposing ball-carrier and his veteran experience will be crucial in steering Lyon through knockout chaos.

At 33 years old, he’s on the final laps of his career and that means he will hold nothing in reserve as he empties the tank in what is sure to be a vicious French derby.

Augustus, meanwhile, wants more. With the 2027 World Cup in Australia on the horizon and Springbok spots up for grabs, his explosive runs are a loud Bok audition.

Trokkie is chasing what Botha never fully got, a regular place in the green and gold.