Stormers ready to tackle familiar Ulster faces, wary of unknown SA-born back Wilhelm de Klerk

The Stormers are wary of two former teammates they will face on Friday evening (8.45pm kick-off) in Belfast when they take on Ulster in the United Rugby Championship (URC), but they have little knowledge of a third South African in the side.

While eighthman Juarno Augustus and winger Werner Kok played in the blue-and-white hoops of Western Province alongside plenty of current Stormers players, replacement utility back Wilhelm de Klerk, who was born in South Africa, is a bit of an unknown factor.

After announcing his team for the clash, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson spoke extensively about the threats posed by Kok and Augustus, both on attack and defence. However, he admitted they know very little about De Klerk. The back is a former Ireland U20 player and has been in the country from a young age.

“We are going to have to stop a truck,” Dobson said about Augustus, who earned the nickname Trokkie for his bustling runs.

“As much as we love him, he will be a big threat. It’s a curious one. We’re super fond of Trokkie, and he is a really, really good player. He hung around during our captain’s training, had a lot of hugs and chats, and he’s obviously a very popular Stormer.

“But I think when the whistle goes on Friday, we can’t let Trokkie build momentum, which he is so good at. His carries close to the line are a big part of their pick-and-go game. We literally have to stop a Trokkie.

“We know Werner very well; he played for us in the Currie Cup we won in 2017, and he is a really good guy. He is good in the air, but we are confident in our progress in the contestable game, which should make for an interesting battle.”

On De Klerk, Dobson said they do not know much about him.

“I think I watched him play a game for the Ireland Under-20s. A good Irish name like that (De Klerk) stood out. But I really don't know anything about him at all.”