JD is keen to use his chance

STORMERS lock JD Schickerling says he’s ready to make the step up should he be given a chance in Eben Etzebeth’s absence.

The Springbok secondrower and Stormers vice-captain, Etzebeth, headlined the Stormers early-2018 injury woes during the pre-season, and is recovering from a shoulder (nerve) injury that could keep him on the sidelines for four months.

And now Schickerling is keen to “definitely use” his opportunity.

“Eben being out is a bad thing for us, he plays a key role, but if I do get an opportunity I will definitely use it,” Schickerling said.

Schickerling had a massive season with Western Province during their 2017 Currie Cup-winning campaign, and with his never-ending work rate, his contribution to Province’s lineout work, strong carries and those big hits, he was instrumental in a number of their matches.

And if the physical forward gets his way, he will take his Currie Cup efforts to another level this year.

“I have such a great opportunity playing with Eben and Pieter-Steph (du Toit), they boost me. We’ve got good depth in our team and the competition is always a good thing. The Currie Cup was a good platform for me to boost me for this year,” he said.

Schickerling played in the No 4 jersey a number of times during the Currie Cup last year, running the lineout defence while captain Chris van Zyl called the lineouts.

And with Du Toit looking likely to be fit for the weekend following his pre-season niggles, it’s in the No 4 spot that Schickerling will most likely find himself.

But regardless of the jersey he wears this season, Schickerling is confident that it won’t be “that big an adjustment”.

“It depends where the team needs me, I don’t mind playing No 4 or 5, as long as I can be of benefit to the team. I played at No 4 a bit in the Currie Cup, so it’s not that big an adjustment for me,” Schickerling said.

There’s of course a lot of competition when it comes to the Stormers’ second-row options, with Salmaan Moerat, Jan de Klerk, Eddie Zandberg (and also Johan du Toit) waiting in line.

And it’s competition that Schickerling is well aware of.

“I’ve dealt with him (Moerat) a lot – he’s such a great player coming through. We’ve got great depth in the lock position, and he’s someone to look out for. He’s a very good player,” Schickerling said.

The Stormers kick off their campaign against the Jaguares on Saturday (3.05pm kickoff), before heading to Australasia for their tour where they will meet the Waratahs, Crusaders and Highlanders.