The Stormers are bracing for a familiar threat when they lock horns with Ulster in round 17 of the Vodacom URC on Friday night.
John Dobson’s men top the standings ahead of their trip to Belfast, against an Ulster team buoyed by victory over Exeter that booked their spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup final.
Former Stormers No 8 Juarno Augustus powered over on 27 minutes to break the deadlock and set the Ulstermen on their way to victory.
Augustus, who joined Ulster from the Northampton Saints this season, has now scored three tries in 15 appearances for the Irish province. Speaking in the build-up to the clash at the Affidea Stadium, Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani acknowledged the powerful 28-year-old loose forward’s form and development.
“I coached Trokkie a couple of years ago at U19 level,” said Hlungwani. “He’s a player I know really well.
“He’s added an extra layer to their attack, like he did at Northampton for a couple of years.
WATCH: Trokkie drives Ulster into title-decider
“He’s a good ball carrier and that go-forward he gives them helps a lot.”
That explosive, direct physical edge is what the Stormers team will have to prepare for.
“For us, it’s about making sure we handle his power,” Hlungwani added. “We feel we’ve got players with good stopping power and carrying ability to match that and hopefully neutralise him.”
The Tygerberg High alum left Cape Town in 2020 and moved to Northampton, where he made 81 appearances and won the English Premiership.
“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,” Hlungwani said.
“I’m really proud of his achievements since he left us. He’s been doing really, really well. It will be nice to see him when we get to Belfast.”
Photo: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
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