URC: Stormers powerhouse JD Schickerling relishing being back in the mix

Schickerling capped a stand-out performance in his United Rugby Championship debut for the DHL Stormers last Saturday with a try against the Ospreys in Bridgend, in their opening game of a three-week tour to Europe.

The 29-year-old lock returned to the Stormers this season after several years playing in Japan, having first graduated from the Western Province youth system to the professional ranks.

"It is nice being back in the jersey and representing the Stormers," Schickerling told the club's website.

"I was really excited about my first game, especially because it was my first in the Vodacom 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.

"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 were edged by the Ospreys in a hard-fought encounter at Dunraven Brewery Field. The clash was their opening match of the fourth URC season, and Schickerling is confident they can bounce back against Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday, before concluding their tour in Edinburgh.

"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."

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