Ulster wing Werner Kok says No 8 Juarno Augustus has all the attributes needed to force his way into Springbok contention.
Speaking to Rapport from Belfast, Kok praised the former Stormer, who joined Ulster at the start of the season after making the move from the Northampton Saints, describing him as a player of genuine international quality.
“He is a No 8 we can use in the Springbok group. I’m training and playing with him for the first time now. He’s class and an incredible player,” Kok said.
Augustus has quickly made an impression in Northern Ireland in the few matches he’s been involved in so far, and his arrival follows in the footsteps of Springboks such as Duane Vermeulen, Steven Kitshoff, Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Pienaar.
Kok highlighted the balance in Augustus’ game as one of his standout qualities.
“He is first of all really big, but he is also incredibly mobile for that body. He’s quick off the mark, his skills are excellent and he reads the game very well,” he said.
While Jasper Wiese has cemented his status as the Springboks’ preferred No 8, the pecking order behind him remains open, with several players rotating through the position over the past year.
MORE: Ulster await ‘more positive’ Trokkie news
Augustus’ momentum was briefly halted after he injured ankle ligaments in Ulster’s recent Vodacom URC clash against Connacht. Initial fears suggested a lengthy layoff, but the province has since indicated the injury may not be as serious as first thought.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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