Western Province lock JD Schickerling is content to play where the team requires him, but is not considering transitioning to the flank permanently.
Coach John Dobson has preferred selecting Chris van Zyl and Salmaan Moerat as the starting lock pairing in the Currie Cup this season. As the team’s leader, Van Zyl is held in high regard by Dobson and this has resulted in Schickerling shifting out to the side of the scrum.
Injuries to Kobus van Dyk, Cobus Wiese and Johan du Toit has left a void in the union’s blindside flank stocks, which Schickerling says he is more than happy to fill.
‘If there is a need for me to play at flank, then I’ll do it. I still regard lock to be my best position though,’ said the 24-year-old.
As it is, Siya Kolisi’s return to start at No 6 this Friday against the Pumas will see Schickerling revert to his preferred position in the second row.
‘His leadership will surely give us a confidence boost,’ Schickerling commented.
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Western Province are coming off of a bye week, which Schickerling says has been good for the team after consecutive defeats against the Sharks in Durban and the Lions at Newlands.
‘We’ve prepared well for the upcoming match. It’s important to win your home matches because of the format of the Currie Cup this season. These next few games will be very important in terms of where we end up.’
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
