Norman Laker says JD Schickerling is back in Stormers training and up for selection, as Ruben van Heerden emphasises the importance of Saturday’s clash against Connacht.
The Stormers, just one point outside the Vodacom URC playoff positions, this week begin a four-match stretch at Cape Town Stadium. Speaking in a teleconference on Monday, Laker provided several injury updates, including news on Schickerling – the lock hasn’t featured since injuring his shoulder against Leinster in January.
“JD is also training fully at the moment so, so far so good,” said the defence coach, while confirming that flyhalf Manie Libbok and winger Seabelo Senatla remain unavailable.
“Manie’s not back yet, and Senatla was unfortunately sick this week. We first have to see what he’s like tomorrow when he comes in. He can’t train fully, he’s just sick.”
Laker also addressed the status of forwards Adre Smith (on sabbatical in Japan) and Ben-Jason Dixon (wrist surgery): “[Smith] I think, he’s six months straight [overseas]. [Dixon] is still out for a while.”
The Stormers return to action after a two-week break following their defeat to Ulster in Belfast. That loss dropped John Dobson’s men to 10th on the log, but they now have the advantage of home comforts to close out the regular season.
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Van Heerden, who is set to make his 50th appearance for the Stormers on Saturday, was clear about the challenge that lies ahead.
“It’s not a time to look at personal accolades. It’s special playing 50 games for the Stormers, but by no means do I want to make it about me,” the towering lock said. “The position we’re in, much like Connacht, we are trying to fight our way into the top eight.
“We’re under no illusions that Connacht is going to come out firing and it’s going to be a very tough game on Saturday.
“I think the overall feeling in the group is, we know that we are such a good team and we know exactly what we are capable of doing. We also have some perspective around games that we narrowly lost this season.”
With the business end of the season approaching, Van Heerden acknowledged the pressure on the team to perform.
“If things just worked out slightly differently, the log would have looked a lot differently,” he added.
“We can’t change that now, we only have four games left so we’re looking forward to what we have now in the next four games. And we know exactly what we need to do.
“We need maximum points out of the next four games and we’re essentially playing knockout rugby. The desire is always there – no one wants to lose, trust me.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
