Stormers wary of former star Juarno Augustus ahead of crucial Ulster URC clash

The Stormers travel to Belfast for a high-stakes URC encounter with Ulster, where they must contain former teammate and " Trokkie" Juarno Augustus, who is currently spearheading the Irish side's forward effort in peak form. The powerful No 8 Known as “Trokkie” during 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 clash in ominous form. He was named Man of the Match as Ulster powered into the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 29-12 win over Exeter Chiefs at the Affidea Stadium on Saturday. In a standout display, he carried relentlessly — 14 times for 50 metres — 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. “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 him. “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. “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.