If Stormers coach John Dobson was to look for a silver lining to the dark cloud of the loss to the Ospreys last week, it would be the commanding performance of prodigal son JD Schickerling.
The 29-year-old is back in Stormers colours after three years in Japan, and he had an excellent comeback game in the 37-24 United Rugby Championship defeat in Bridgend.
The Stormers never lost a lineout, thanks to the clever calling of Schickerling.
The Paarl Gym old boy was knocking on the Springbok door in 2016. He played for the South Africa A team against the England Saxons, but his move abroad removed him from the Bok reckoning.
But he is surely back on the wider radar of national coach Rassie Erasmus after his URC performance last week that boasted 14 carries and seven successful tackle completions, not to mention a 100% lineout success for the Capetonians.
Schickerling said he had enjoyed his ‘second’ Stormers debut.
“It was exciting to be back in a Stormers jersey and seeing all the boys. A lot of the faces have changed, but there are also quite a few veterans, and it has been great to see them again.
“It’s been awesome getting to bond with the guys, especially on tour.
“Being on tour is the best way to get to know your teammates and connect with them.
“It’s been good for me to see how everyone operates.”
Schickerling said that he had noted a change in motivation in the Stormers.
“Everyone wants to be on the same page and do very well in this competition,” he said. “It’s exceptional to see.
“The players want to get better and they work on the small things, which I enjoy.”
Schickerling said his “second coming” at the Stormers has been a breeze.
“It’s been easy working with everyone,” he said. “They have been so good with me coming back in.
“That excitement just makes it so much easier, especially when it comes to working with guys like Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith
“Adré came in just before I left in 2021. And it has been a pleasure to work with Ruben.”
⛈️ v 🦓 Some magic moments to savour against Zebre Parma. #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/uroXXrhhlw
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Schickerling and Van Heerden are versatile second-rowers in that they are equally at home in the No 4 enforcer and No 5 lineout-caller roles.
Schickerling said this makes it easier to share the workload.
“Whether you are playing at No 4 or No 5, your work stays the same,” he said.
“The only difference is that at No 5, you are calling the lineouts.
“It’s nice to help each other out in that aspect, especially during a game, because I also like to call line-outs.
“So, if I see something, then I will communicate it.”