Lock JD Schickerling is relishing the chance to face Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth when the DHL Stormers and Sharks conflict on Saturday within the Vodacom URC.
The Stormers host John Plumtree’s costs at Cape City Stadium in spherical 9 of the URC. The groups cross swords for the second time this season after the Sharks beat their coastal rivals in Durban on the finish of November.
Etzebeth was the apex lock in Cape City throughout Schickerling’s adolescence on the Stormers and DHL Western Province.
A standout performer for the Stormers since coming back from Japan this season, Schickerling on Monday addressed the prospect of going through Springbok rugby’s most capped participant, Etzebeth.
“If the Sharks do choose him, will probably be an superior expertise for me enjoying towards him. I’ve performed with him, and he was an awesome mentor for me on the Stormers,” the 29-year-old informed the media.
“It’s all the time good whenever you get the chance to play towards Springboks, to measure your self as a participant.”
Etzebeth, recovering from concussion signs, may be a part of fellow former Stormers star Siya Kolisi within the Sharks lineup for what guarantees to be a fiercely contested URC derby.
Schickerling produced a Man of the Match efficiency within the Stormers’ bonus-point victory towards the Lions final week.
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“I’m actually proud of my efficiency, particularly as a result of we acquired the win,” he stated. “Clearly, I couldn’t have completed it with out the blokes round me. They actually labored arduous, and that impressed me to work more durable.”
Key to the Stormers’ win was their set-piece prowess, with Joseph Dweba scoring a brace of tries from driving mauls. Schickerling highlighted the pack’s rising cohesion and pursuit of excellence.
“That was one thing we’re positively engaged on, to be correct on each side of the ball, defence and assault,” he stated. “The maul is all the time a troublesome factor to get proper, it’s by no means good, so when it does come collectively it’s very nice.
“It takes the entire pack to make it work, and we continue learning and attempting to get higher over the weekend.”
The Stormers’ conquer the Lions marked their third victory within the URC this season, and ended a four-match droop in all competitions.
“We go into each match eager to win, so getting that win over the Lions, and at dwelling, provides us confidence going into the subsequent recreation,” Schickerling added.
“Clearly it’s by no means good and there are issues we are able to enhance on, however we’re excited and looking out ahead to our subsequent match.”
Photograph: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Pictures
