Once a Stormer, always a Stormer. And lock JD Schickerling reminded fans of the Cape side of this when he produced a fantastic display in his comeback match for the Stormers last weekend against the Ospreys.
It wasn’t the win he wanted, but Schickerling looked right at home in the Stormers’ second row after leaving the franchise for a stint in Japan many years ago. It was like he never left, as the big No 5 got stuck in and even got a try for his efforts in his United Rugby Championship debut.
“It is nice being back in the jersey and representing the Stormers,” Schickerling, who is a product of the Western Province youth system, told the Stormers website.
“I was really excited about my first game, especially because it was my first in the URC. Last time I was in South Africa, I was still playing Super Rugby.
“It’s been awesome getting to bond with the guys, especially on tour. It’s the best place to get to know my teammates and connect with them. It’s been good for me as well, learning about how everyone operates.
“What has stood out is the team’s drive. Everyone wants to be on the same page and do very well in this competition. It’s exceptional. Everyone wants to get better and work on the small things, which I enjoy.”
Locks Ruben van Heerden and Adre Smith last season developed a highly effective partnership in the second row for the Stormers, and Schickerling has linked up with the formidable duo seamlessly.
Captain Salmaan Moerat must also still return to the fold, which will give the Cape side even more of a boost in the new year.
“I’ve slotted in pretty well. It’s been so easy working with everyone,” he explained. “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 and Adre.
“Ruben and I both like playing at No. 4 and No. 5. That also makes it so easy when it comes to sharing the workload. Even though you are either playing at 4 or 5, your work stays the same. 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 that.”
The Stormers next face Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Italy on Saturday, before concluding their tour in Edinburgh. Schickerling is confident they can bounce back after the setback in Wales
“On tour you want to win that first game because that sets the standard for the rest of the tour, so it’s disappointing to lose,” he admitted. “Mistakes happen and that’s part of the game.
“For us now, it’s to focus on the next game and make sure we capitalise on our opportunities. The spirit and mood in the camp has been good.
“The guys know what we need to work on, and we are in a good space. The quicker we get into our stride, the easier it will be. We know what we want to achieve.”
@JohnGoliath82