SA-born Ulster star Augustus eyes perfect homecoming against Stormers
SPOTLIGHT: Ulster loose forward Juarno Augustus will return to Cape Town to face the Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday, eager to rediscover his best form and make a statement.
Augustus, better known as ‘Trokkie’, came through the Stormers ranks before moving to English club Northampton Saints and later joining Ulster.
The South African-born bulldozer is set to start in the No.8 jumper for a second week running, having featured in his side’s 24-36 loss to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last week.
The 28-year-old was also influential in his side’s 40-21 triumph against Zebre Parma in the Challenge Cup.
*READ: Stormers handed potential advantage against winless Ulster
Although Augustus is beginning to find his feet, he is still working towards regaining the form he showed before sustaining an ankle injury late last year.
The injury, which took place against Connacht, also dashed his hopes of making his Springbok debut in 2026.
After undergoing surgery before pre-season, the loose forward said he was pleased to be getting a consistent run of games.
“I had surgery, and I was struggling a bit in pre-season to put it behind me, but it’s all gone now,” Augustus told BBC.
“I’ve had a run of games. That’s the main thing, to keep training and being fit again.
“It’s nice just to be at home [Cape Town]. I’ll probably need a lot of tickets; everyone’s been asking me.
“It’s always nice to play against the team you grew up playing for. I’ll just try to play my game to the best of my ability.”
The former Junior Springbok also featured in Ulster’s previous meeting with the Stormers in May, when the sides played out a 38-38 draw.
That clash took place in Belfast, and Augustus understands that playing at DHL Stadium will pose a different challenge.
“It’s at their home this time, so we need to be sharper, need to be ready for what they’re going to bring,” he added.
“From minute one to minute 80, we need to give it our best. That’s what we are going after.
“They have a lot of dangerous players who can make anything happen in a second. We need to be aware of it.
“Richie [Murphy] and his coaching staff gave us some detail on how they play, and it’s up to us now to go out and execute.
Ulster are still in search of the first win of the season, having drawn two games and lost two.
They will face the Stormers with an understrength team after eight national players left the camp to join Ireland ahead of the Nations Championship next month.
Head coach Richie Murphy has called up seven reinforcements: Rob Herring, Tom Brigg, James Hume, Martin Moloney, Zac Ward, Sam Crean, and Jed Findlay for the Stormers showdown.
Additional reporting: BBC
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