The Stormer that can neutralise Connacht's main threat
The Stormers’ first hurdle is Connacht this weekend before facing Benetton, Dragons RFC and Cardiff to complete the regular season as they are pushing for a play-off spot.
Connacht is currently ranked first overall in terms of line-outs, boasting a 92 percent success rate and are in fourth place for line-outs won and second for steals.
The Stormers, however, are ranked just behind them in second place overall.
The Cape side is ranked fourth for line-out success on 89 percent, third for line-outs won and fourth for steals.
Interestingly enough, lock JD Schickerling is ranked joint third for line-out steals (7) despite not playing since January 25 when he sustained an injury in the 12-36 loss to Leinster.
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With Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s recent returns, the Stormers appear to have their attacking edge back.
The Capetonians thrive on turnover ball, be it from set-piece or in general play, to create attacking chaos and leave opposition defences in sixes and sevens.
Schickerling’s towering presence and line-out poaching ability can be a key factor for the Stormers when they face Connacht on Saturday to get their dangerous backs free ball and express themselves.
From a defensive point of view, Schickerling will be counted on to stall any line-out attacking moves from the visitors, especially in the Stormers’ red zone.
It is unclear at this stage if Schickerling will be selected, but he was spotted training in full on Wednesday when @rugby365com visited the Stormers’ High Performance Centre in Bellville.
The Stormers will announce their team on Friday.
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