Juarno Augustus is following in the footsteps of two former Springboks in Ulster’s back row – and rising to the challenge.
Duane Vermeulen and Marcell Coetzee both performed with distinction for the Irish province and now it’s Augustus’ turn to show his qualities having made the move from Northampton at the end of last season.
The 28-year-old former SA U20 star – who was in line to make his Bok debut in July last year before injury struck – has had to bide his time, with an ankle injury keeping him out for three months, but he returned in style against Edinburgh on the weekend.
Packing down at No 8, he produced a try-scoring Man of the Match display as Ulster triumphed 40-19 at the Hive Stadium to move up to second on the Vodacom URC log (before dropping to third after the Stormers’ win in Pretoria).
MORE: Trokkie shines for impressive Ulster
Now the ex-Stormers loose forward will turn his attention to Friday night’s big Belfast derby clash with in-form Connacht at Ravenhill Stadium.
“I am happy to be back. It means a lot,” he said. “It’s been a while. I’ve worked a bit on my fitness.
“I base my game on physicality and carrying and tackling, so that’s what I want to try and bring to the team.
“I am just happy that I can give my best and try and help the team.”
Augustus has previously revealed how a conversation with countryman Coetzee helped him decide that joining Ulster would be a good move.
“I spoke to him last year before I came over and he couldn’t stop talking about the good things the club has done and what it can achieve in the next couple of years,” he said.
“I just want to get the best out of myself for the three years I will be here. I will do whatever I can to try to help the team get some silverware. I have a feeling it is not that far away. The potential in this team is unreal.”
STATE OF THE URC: SA trio have it all to do
Ulster trailed 19-14 at half-time against Edinburgh, but ran away with the game after the break, scoring six tries in all, three of them while down to 14 men.
“We needed the win. We haven’t won away from home in quite a bit, so we had to set things right,” said Augustus.
“We played against the wind in the first half and struggled a bit. We made some errors and kept them in the game.
“The message at half-time was just to stay consistent and do everything with intent – tackle with intent, run with intent – and then just get the ball to our backs because they are incredible.
“We knew if we just stuck to our roles and did what we do best, we could win the game and we did that. The second half was good.
“It’s a good win for us, so hopefully we can keep building on that and take it forward.”
Ulster coach Richie Murphy was full of praise for the shift Augustus put in on his return to the team.
“With Juarno coming back, we had no intention of playing him for 80, but that’s what happens sometimes and he rolled his sleeves up,” he said. “He’s a really good ball-carrier.”
Photo: Inpho Photography
The post Trokkie on track for Bok destination appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Juarno Augustus is following in the footsteps of two former Springboks in Ulster’s back row – and rising to the challenge. Duane Vermeulen and Marcell Coetzee both performed with distinction for the Irish province and now it’s Augustus’ turn to show his qualities having made the move from Northampton at the end of last season. The 28-year-old former SA U20… Read more →
The post Trokkie on track for Bok destination appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
