Lock JD Schickerling is set to achieve a significant milestone this weekend, as he reaches his 50th cap for the DHL Stormers in their upcoming Investec Champions Cup clash against Sale Sharks at DHL Stadium on Saturday, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Schickerling’s achievement places him among a select group of players who have reached the half-century mark for the Cape Town-based side, including the likes of captain Salmaan Moerat, fullback Warrick Gelant, and hookers Joseph Dweba and Andre-Hugo Venter.
The towering second row forward will lead the Stormers onto the pitch at 15:00, as they face off against the formidable English Premiership side, Sale Sharks, in a crucial match that could decide their fate in the prestigious European competition.
Changes to the Stormers line-up
The Stormers will also see some fresh faces in their matchday squad, as wing Ben Loader makes his return from injury. Loader replaces Seabelo Senatla, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue. Scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer is named to start, with Jonathan Roche making his first start for the Stormers as he partners Wandisile Simelane in a new midfield pairing. Ruhan Nel has been ruled out due to a minor rib injury.
In the forwards, there are key reinforcements with prop Sti Sithole returning from injury to start alongside hooker JJ Kotze. Dave Ewers completes the forward pack in the only other change, starting at blindside flank.
The Stormers’ bench also looks strong, with loose forward Evan Roos set to make his return to action. He joins the likes of Willie Engelbrecht, Ali Vermaak, and lock Ruben van Heerden as options for Coach John Dobson.
John Dobson’s focus on momentum
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has stressed the importance of carrying momentum from their recent Vodacom URC derby victories into this crucial Champions Cup fixture. The team has been buoyed by incredible home support during the festive derbies, and Dobson hopes that energy can help them secure a vital win on Saturday.
‘We saw some good progress in the two derbies, with the incredible home support making a huge difference,’ Dobson said. ‘We know that this game is a must-win for us to have a chance of making the knockout phase of the Investec Champions Cup, so we will be giving it everything we have.’
The Stormers will need to be at their best to overcome a physical Sale Sharks side. Dobson was particularly enthusiastic about the return of key players like Loader, Sithole, and Roos, hoping they will make an immediate impact in what promises to be a tough battle.
‘It is fantastic to welcome back the likes of Ben Loader, Sti Sithole, and Evan Roos, and hopefully they will all make a big impression in what should be a tough game against a physical Sale Sharks side,’ he added.
With both teams eyeing a crucial victory in the European competition, the stage is set for an exciting encounter. Will JD Schickerling’s milestone cap be the catalyst for a Stormers triumph, or will the Sale Sharks prove too strong on the road? There’s only one way to find out.
DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Ben Loader, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Dave Ewers, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Sti Sithole.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Jean-Luc du Plessis.
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Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
