As the United Rugby Championship season enters its thrilling final stretch, Ulster's powerful back row Juarno Augustus has set a clear target: secure home advantage for the playoffs. With just four regular-season games left, the South African forward believes building momentum now is crucial for a deep postseason run.

Currently sitting third in the table, Ulster faces a formidable gauntlet to finish strong. Their run-in includes a massive Irish derby against Leinster this Friday in Belfast, followed by clashes with Munster, the Stormers, and league leaders Glasgow Warriors. It's a schedule that will test their championship mettle.

Augustus, however, points to the team's recent resilience as a source of confidence. Back-to-back European Challenge Cup victories over Ospreys and heavyweights La Rochelle have booked a home semi-final against Exeter Chiefs. "We are playing four of the best," said the 28-year-old number eight. "All we need to do is take it week by week, recover well, and then just go again on game day."

The priority is clear: climb the URC table. "We're focusing firstly on the URC now because we want to get a home quarter-final, a home semi-final. That's what teams are playing for now," Augustus explained. "If we win a few games we can get second or first in the table, and that's what we're aiming for."

Adaptability will be key, especially after recent wins in challenging conditions at the Affidea Stadium. While Ulster prefers an expansive style, Augustus is pragmatic. "We want to play expansive rugby... but unfortunately it's out of our control. We have to adapt to the weather conditions and the teams we play. If the weather is better, we can show better what we have."

Personally, Augustus is just relieved to be back contributing after a frustrating ankle injury sidelined him in December. "Hopefully it's all behind me now," he said, aiming to finish the season strong alongside his teammates. For Ulster, the final push for a precious home playoff berth starts now.