JP is, in fact, JPR Pietersen
Jaco van der Merwe, Beeld
Johannesburg - He is much bigger than JPR Williams and plays his rugby in a completely different era, but the new Springbok fullback has more in common with the famous Welshman than a No 15 jersey.
"I also have an R after the JP, because my father named me after JPR Williams," said the 20-year-old here on Wednesday.
Pietersen will make his international debut in the Tri-Nations Test against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday.
"It (JPR) stands for Jon-Paul Roger, but my teammates call me JP and my family just calls me Polla."
The speedy Pietersen has been in the Springbok squad since the beginning of the Tri-Nations competition, but was overlooked for the first five matches.
"It won't be an easy task to make my debut against a world-class Australian team, but rugby remains rugby, irrespective of the opposition," he said.
"I expect them to try put pressure on me because it happens at every level that a young player is targeted. But I'm ready for their onslaught.
A fairytale two seasons
"I think my strong point is probably my speed. I like to join the backline and create opportunities."
The past two seasons have been like a fairytale for the Stellenbosch-born star.
Soon after representing the Pumas at the 2004 Craven Week, Pietersen joined the Sharks' academy in Durban where he made his Currie Cup debut at the age of 18 last year.
He was included in the Springbok squad soon after his first taste of Super 14 rugby for the Sharks early this year and after playing for the South African Under-21 team.
His involvement with the Springbok squad has limited his Currie Cup opportunities this season.
"I've been waiting patiently," he said on Wednesday, "and did not target a specific Test to make my debut. I just trained flat out and waited for my name to be read out.
"I was on the bench in Wellington (New Zealand), but it's a different story when you begin a match. You're more at ease on the bench.
Christie Noble his mentor
"Now, I have to be at my best and focused from the start. That is why I'm rather nervous at the moment."
The person who has had the greatest influence on his career is his uncle Christie Noble, who was on the left wing in the Natal side that won the Currie Cup for the first time in 1990.
Noble will be at Ellis Park on Saturday to support Pietersen.
"He (Christie) has had a big influence on my career since I was at school," said tPietersen.
"He still helps my by calling me after a match and discussing some small things in my game."
News source: www.news24.co.za
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