Stormers No.8 Juarno “Trokkie” Augustus is now moeg of going to the panelbeaters.
Instead he wants to rev his engine in the green and gold of the Springbok team.
But for that to happen, Augustus knows he has to perform well in this year’s Super Rugby competition and, more importantly, stay injury free.
He hit the rugby scene with a bang in 2017, being named World Junior Player of the Year after his performances for the SA U20 team at the World Cup, and was expected to cruise into the national team in years to come.
Some proclaimed the arrival of South Africa’s own version of England’s Billy Vunipola, others saw something Thor-like (Duane Vermeulen) in him.
Trokkie, though, could never get past third gear from then until now, breaking down with some sort of ailment as soon as he looked like he was about to hit his stride.
His latest setbacks included an arm wound and an ankle injury.
THOR-LIKE ATTRIBUTES: Current Springbok No.8 Duane Vermuelen
Luckily for the 22-year-old they have healed before the season really got underway and he could announce his return to fitness with a superb display in the Stormers’ 33-30 win over the Lions last weekend.
Of the injuries that have slowed down his progress as a player, Augustus says: “I am grateful for the opportunity to play again.
“I have been struggling with injuries, but it hasn’t taken its toll on me mentally because I’ve got a good support system.
“I know I just have to work hard and trust the process.”
Apart from his family and the coaching team, Augustus also enjoys on-field support from current World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.
He explains: “It’s amazing playing alongside Pieter-Steph, one of my goals is to play for the Springboks one day [and he is a good role model to have in terms of reaching that goal].
“He’s quite a good leader, the communication I get from him on the field also gives me the confidence to play the game I want to play.”
The road to coach Jacques Nienaber’s national team starts on Saturday when Augustus and the Stormers host an Argentina-laden Jaguares squad at Newlands.
Trokkie knows a good performance against seasoned internationals can only take him one step closer to reaching his big dream.
He adds: “It’s going to be tough up front... most of them are internationals and I think we can prove a point by trying to dominate them.”