VIDEO: Turning a new page in Stormers story
The news that John Dave Schickerling will return to Cape Town, after three seasons in Japan, was greeted with much jubilation in the Mother City.
Schickerling, after almost 90 games for Western Province and the Stormers, moved to Japan in 2021 - where he featured in 40-odd games for the Steelers and Spears.
Before his departure, in 2016, Schickerling was also included in the South Africa 'A' squad that played a two-match series against a touring England Saxons team.
He was obviously on the Springbok fringes, but it was a case of 'out of sight and out of mind' for the last few years.
But JD, as he is affectionately known, made an impressive 'comeback' for the Stormers this past weekend - even though it was in a losing cause.
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After their Round One North-South derby face-off with the Bulls was postponed - to accommodate the Currie Cup Final - the Stormers suffered a 24-37 loss to Ospreys at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.
However, Schickerling showed that he would be a valuable asset to the Cape Town franchise - making 14 carries, for 27 metres, making all seven tackles he attempted and conceding just one penalty.
However, his biggest contribution was in the line-outs, where the Stormers managed a 100 percent return - a massive improvement on last season's deficient and unsatisfactory performances in this aspect of the game.
He said he enjoyed his 'debut' in the URC, as the Stormers were still playing Super Rugby when he left three years ago.
"It was exciting being back with the boys and in a Stormers jersey," the 29-year-old said.
The last time Schickerling wore a Stormers jersey players like Juarno Augustus, Johan du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ernst van Rhyn and Chris van Zyl were still around.
Ben-Jason Dixon had just come on the scene in 2021 and now he is an integral part of the Springbok squad.
Other 'new' faces include Adré Smith, Ruben van Heerden, Marcel Theunissen, Dave Ewers and Keke Morabe.
(WATCH as John Dave Schickerling talks about his return to the Stormers, after three seasons in Japan....)
"It's been awesome getting to bond with the guys, especially on tour," Schickerling said.
"It's the best place to get to know my teammates and connect with them.
"It's been good for me as well, learning about how everyone operates."
If a week is a long time in the game, three years could be like an eternity.
He said the most noticeable difference is 'the drive' of the team to succeed.
"Everyone wants to be on the same page and do very well in this competition," he said.
"It's exceptional.
"Everyone wants to get better and work on the small things, which I enjoy."
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The seasoned second row forward says he has slotted in pretty well in the 'new' Stormers set-up.
"It's been so easy working with everyone," he explained.
"They have been so good with me coming back in.
"That excitement just makes it so much easier, especially when it comes to working with guys like Ruben and Adre.
"Adre came in just before I left [in 2021].
"Ruben has been good working with me."
The other advantage is that Schickerling and Van Heerden are both 'utility' second row forwards - who can play at No.4 and No.5.
"That also makes it so easy when it comes to sharing the workload.
"Even though you are either playing at No.4 or No.5, your work stays the same.
"The only difference is that at No.5, you are calling [the line-outs].
"It's nice to help each other out in that aspect, especially during a game, because I also like to call line-outs.
"So if I see something, then I will communicate that."
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