The Stormers are gearing up for a hefty challenge as they prepare to face Ulster in the upcoming Vodacom URC clash this Friday. Positioned at the top of the leaderboard, John Dobson's squad is heading to Belfast with caution, particularly due to Ulster's momentum following their recent triumph in securing a spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup final. A notable threat comes in the form of ex-Stormer Juarno Augustus, whose recent scoring spree, including a critical try against Exeter Chiefs, has been vital for the Irish side.
Augustus, affectionately known as 'Trokkie', has become a key figure in Ulster's lineup since his transfer from Northampton Saints, marking the turf with three tries in 15 games. Rito Hlungwani, the Stormers' forwards coach, who once mentored Trokkie during his U19 days, expressed both familiarity and wariness towards the powerhouse No 8.
"He’s added an extra layer to their attack, like he did at Northampton for a couple of years. He’s a good ball carrier and that go-forward he gives them helps a lot."
Hlungwani highlighted the need for his team to counter Trokkie’s robust playstyle. "For us, it’s about making sure we handle his power," Hlungwani explained. "We feel we’ve got players with good stopping power and carrying ability to match that and hopefully neutralise him."
Despite the competitive edge, there's a sense of pride from Hlungwani about Trokkie’s evolution both on and off the field. Since his departure from Cape Town in 2020 to Northampton, where he notched up 81 appearances and snagged an English Premiership title, Augustus has grown significantly. "He’s a good person, comes from a great family, and he’s recently become a father. He’s married now. He’s grown a lot since the last time I saw him," said Hlungwani.
The reunion in Belfast will not just be a strategic battleground but also a moment of reflection and pride for a coach seeing his former protégé thrive on the international stage. As the Stormers ready themselves to dampen the Trokkie-led charge of Ulster, the match promises to be as much about heart as it is about the fierce rivalry on the rugby field.