As the Stormers prepare to host the Sharks in what promises to be a thrilling United Rugby Championship (URC) derby tomorrow afternoon in Cape Town, they know dominating in the line-outs and scrums could lay the platform to victory.
With victory on their minds after a recent boost, the Stormers are keenly focusing on their line-out prowess as a tactical weapon against their coastal rivals, looking to bag a bonus point win in the return game after losing out in Durban last month. Stormers lock JD Schickerling, and Player of the Match against the Lions, has pinpointed the lineout as a decisive area of play.
“The battle to gain ascendancy in the lineouts and at scrum time is expected to play a crucial role.”
“The battle to gain ascendancy in the line-outs and at scrum time is expected to play a crucial role,” he stated.
The significance of these set-pieces cannot be overstated, as they are fundamental in gaining territory and momentum during matches. So the Cape outfit is keen to continue their upward curve.
This weekend’s clash may also see the return of influential Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who is recovering from concussion symptoms. Schickerling expressed his eagerness to test himself against someone who has been both a mentor and a teammate of his.
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“If the Sharks do select him, it will be an awesome experience for me playing against him. It’s always good when you get the opportunity to measure yourself as a player against Springbok players.”
The hard-fought victory over the Lions last weekend provided a much-needed morale boost for the Stormers, marking their third winning effort in the URC and ending a four-match slump in all competitions.
“I’m really happy with my performance, especially because we got the win.”
Schickerling's performance in that victory contributed to the team’s efforts. Reflecting on the match, he said, “I’m really happy with my performance, especially because we got the win.
“Obviously, I couldn’t have done it without the guys around me. They really worked hard, and that inspired me to work harder.”
Integral to the recent victory was the Stormers' set-piece excellence, with hooker Joseph Dweba scoring twice from driving mauls. The success in the maul speaks volumes about the growing cohesion within the Stormers’ pack. Schickerling acknowledged this progression.
“That was something we are definitely working on, to be accurate on both sides of the ball, in defence and attack.”
“That was something we are definitely working on, to be accurate on both sides of the ball, in defence and attack.” He emphasised the importance of teamwork, noting that "it takes the whole pack to make it work,” and they are committed to continual improvement each week.
As Saturday approaches, the Stormers are brimming with confidence.
“We go into every match wanting to win, so getting that win over the Lions, and at home, gives us confidence going into the next game,” Schickerling explained.
Though he admits there is always room for improvement within the team’s execution, the Stormers boast an optimistic outlook as they gear up for one of the season's most anticipated encounters against the Sharks.
Over 40 000 tickets have been sold for the second match of the Stormers’ Summer Series and it’s expect to be a humdinger clash which could propel the winning side firmly back into URC contention.