Augustus thrilled to get back on the field against former side Stormers

Juarno Augustus was glad to ‘get rid of the rust’ as he renewed acquaintances with DHL Stormers during Northampton Saints’ first game in six weeks.

The No. 8 made his name at the Cape Town side before moving to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens two-and-a-half seasons ago.

Augustus was presented with the opportunity to go up against his former employers in Saturday’s exhibition match, which saw the visitors claim a 45-29 victory.

“I actually went to their hotel,” the 26-year-old said. “There was some chat, they asked me what our plans were and what we were doing, and if I am playing because we announced our team two days after their team. They were quite keen on knowing if I was playing or not!

“We played well for our first game back after six weeks. It was a bit tough on the lungs, the guys had to get rid of the rust that we had for not playing for a while.”

Augustus shone against his old side, making one eye-catching break through the centre of the pitch that paved the way for Burger Odendaal’s first-half try. However, his focus fell on another forward who showed a turn of pace to retrieve a chip over the defence – leading to roars of appreciation from the Gardens faithful.

“The break that Trev [Davison] did was unexpected,” Augustus said. “I didn’t know he had those skills of the pace to get back and then show and go and run over a few boys!

“I am quite happy that I came through the game first of all and I am excited for what is ahead. I think I did okay, there's some elements of my game I need to work on.”

Augustus also distanced himself from being the man who provided the Saints shirt that was revealed by Hacjivah Dayumani after he crossed the line before removing his Stormers jersey.

“He did not get it from me!” the South African added. “Maybe he got it from Courtnall Skosan, it is an old shirt so I am not sure where he got it from. He probably took the number off, my shirt has a number!”

Saints’ focus now turns to the visit of Sale Sharks for a second exhibition match on Friday 15 March (kick-off: 7.45pm) ahead of the resumption of the 23/24 season with a trip to Bristol Bears on Friday 22 March.

“We still have a few boys away with England and Scotland, so there’s more boys to come back and there’s improvements to be made and hopefully we will see them in the next game,” said Augustus. “We are definitely looking forward to going into the rest of the season on a high after how we ended the first block. We are looking forward to it.”