Schickerling To Reach 50 Caps As Stormers Gear Up For Sale Sharks Clash

Lock JD Schickerling is set to achieve a significant milestone this weekend, as he reaches his 50th cap for the DHL Stormers in their upcoming Investec Champions Cup clash against Sale Sharks at DHL Stadium on Saturday, reports Cape town Etc .

Schickerling's achievement places him among a select group of players who have reached the half-century mark for the Cape Town-based side, including the likes of captain Salmaan Moerat, fullback Warrick Gelant, and hookers Joseph Dweba and Andre-Hugo Venter.

The towering second row forward will lead the Stormers onto the pitch at 15:00, as they face off against the formidable English Premiership side, Sale Sharks, in a crucial match that could decide their fate in the prestigious European competition.

The Stormers will also see some fresh faces in their matchday squad, as wing Ben Loader makes his return from injury. Loader replaces Seabelo Senatla, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue. Scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer is named to start, with Jonathan Roche making his first start for the Stormers as he partners Wandisile Simelane in a new midfield pairing. Ruhan Nel has been ruled out due to a minor rib injury.

In the forwards, there are key reinforcements with prop Sti Sithole returning from injury to start alongside hooker JJ Kotze. Dave Ewers completes the forward pack in the only other change, starting at blindside flank.