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PARIS - South Africa coach Jake White singled out JP Pietersen as being one of the players who could make a name for himself at the World Cup.
On Saturday, the Springbok flier has the ultimate opportunity in the final against England.
The 21-year-old may have been living in the shadow of fellow winger Bryan Habana but he has contributed hugely to the Boks' march to the final, starting in all six matches and scoring four tries including two in the 36-0 drubbing of England (a record World Cup defeat for the English) in their pool match.
However, for the unassuming Pietersen there is no jealousy of Habana who needs one score to break the try scoring record for one World Cup he holds jointly with Jonah Lomu of eight.
"He's been nominated for IRB player of the year. I am still in the beginning stages of rugby. I'm just learning day by day," admitted Pietersen, who unbelievably for his relatively slight build started his rugby career at lock.
"What happens on the field happens quickly. I'm happy if the ball comes my way but sometimes it goes Bryan's way."
However, the Sharks winger believes that just because South Africa had made the final it would inspire other blacks or coloureds to take up the port.
"It's your own decision if you play rugby," said Pietersen, whose uncle and former Natal winger Chris Noble played a pivotal role in setting him on the road to stardom.
"It doesn't matter what colour you are, black, white, whatever colour. It's your own decision.
"As for being a role model, I am still a youngster. I think the senior guys are role models."
Nevertheless, Pietersen is still stunned at being on the verge of competing in a World Cup final.
"It never entered my mind that I would be representing the Springboks in the World Cup final," he said.
"I never thought I would be in the Springboks so quickly, so I'm quite happy with where I am now for the moment."
Pietersen refuses to accept that they take a massive psychological advantage into the final after their crushing win in the pool stages.
"I don't really think about that (the pool match)," said Pietersen, who was part of the Sharks outfit that lost to countrymen Bulls in this year's Super 14 final and which saw him finish leading tryscorer with 11 in 13 matches.
"It's a final, it's a different game. What's important is to make fewer mistakes on the field. Whoever makes fewer mistakes and gets more opportunities is going to win."
Pietersen highlighted the return of fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and the talents of fullback Jason Robinson as being important factors for England.
"Jason Robinson is a very dangerous player and we cannot give him space," he said.
"They have got some talent in the backs. We must not underestimate their background. We've always been aware of them and we'll be on our toes."
But for the Stellenbosch-born tyro, if the Springboks were to lift the Webb Ellis trophy it would be beyond his wildest dreams.
"I was still at school when we won in 1995. I was a youngster playing with my cousins. I didn't really know much about winning a World Cup but I remember it being a time full of joy," he said.
"It means everything to me (to win the World Cup). It would probably be the golden moment of my life."
- AFP
