Lock JD Schickerling is relishing the opportunity to face Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth when the DHL Stormers clash with the Sharks at Vodacom URC on Saturday.
The Stormers host John Plumtree’s strike at the Cape Town Stadium in Round 9 of URC. The teams are crossing swords for the second time this season after the Sharks defeated their coastal rivals in Durban at the end of November.
Etzebeth was at the top of Cape Town while Schickerling was growing up with the Stormers and DHL Western Province.
Shickering, who has been outstanding for the Stormers since returning from Japan this season, spoke about the prospect of facing Springbok rugby’s most capped player, Etzebeth, on Monday.
“If the Sharks select him, it would be a great experience for me to play with him. I played with him and he was a great mentor to me at the Stormers,” the 29-year-old told the media.
“It’s always good to get the chance to play against the Springboks and measure yourself as a player.”
Etzebeth, who is recovering from concussion symptoms, could join former Stormers star Siya Kolisi in a Sharks line-up that promises to be a fierce URC derby contest.
Schickerling produced a Man of the Match performance in the Stormers’ bonus point win over the Lions last week.
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“I’m really happy with my performance, especially because we won,” he said. “Obviously I couldn’t have done this without the people around me. They worked really hard, and that inspired me to work harder.”
Key to the Stormers’ victory was their set-piece prowess, with Joseph Dweba driving home a number of tries. Schickerling emphasized strengthening group cohesion and pursuing excellence.
“That’s something we’re definitely working on to increase accuracy on both sides of the ball, defense and offense,” he said. “Malls are always hard to get right, they’re never perfect, so it’s really nice to come together.
“It takes the whole pack to make it work. We keep learning and trying to get better over the weekend.”
The Stormers’ win over the Lions marked their third win at URC this season and ended a four-game run in all competitions.
Schickerling added: “We go into every game wanting to win. A win against the Lions gives us confidence going into our next game at home.”
“Of course it’s never perfect and there are things we can improve on, but I’m excited and looking forward to the next game.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
