Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani has shed light on the decision to relieve Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of the captaincy.
Lock JD Schickerling will lead the side against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“One of the reasons was to free Sacha up a bit. It definitely takes away a bit of the pressure on Sacha,” said Hlungwani.
“We’ve also got a very strong leadership group and from time to time we rotate the captaincy. Ruhan [Nel] has captained, Neethling [Fouché] has captained, Sacha has done it for two games now.
“It shows trust in the rest of the leadership group. The weight of leading this team is never just on the captain alone.”
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Hlungwani added that Feinberg-Mngomezulu is well supported on the field regardless of the title.
“You never have the whole load of making all the calls on your own. There are good leaders around you. Hopefully it takes away a bit of pressure, but we really back the group to help each other.”
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For Schickerling, who debuted for the Stormers in 2016 and is back in Cape Town after a stint in Japan, the honour is significant.
“It’s definitely a very special and proud moment for me,” he said. “I’ve been with the Stormers for a long time. To captain them, even if it’s just for this weekend, is a huge privilege.”
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The Lions, meanwhile, will be without Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and flank Ruan Venter this weekend, but Hlungwani still expects a fierce battle up front.
“It’s always tough playing against the Lions,” he said. “They’ve got decent depth and a strong pack. Whoever comes in will be ready. Whether certain players are there or not, we’re expecting a proper fight.
“They’ve got good coaches in the scrum and lineout, so they’ll be well organised and ready.”
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Schickerling echoed that sentiment.
“They’re a good side wherever they play. You can’t switch off against them. We just have to focus on ourselves and how we execute our plan.”
With rain forecast and the Ellis Park surface cutting up badly last week against the Sharks, Hlungwani said the Stormers are prepared.
“We identified the rain early in the week. We’re used to the Cape Town winter and northern hemisphere conditions. It won’t catch us off guard.”
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Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images