Bryan is Joe's wing on a string
Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:15
South African fullback Joe Pietersen is now playing in France. (c) Doug Fitz-Gerald
Newlands crowd favourite Joe Pietersen is revelling in a back three which has Bryan Habana as senior partner.
After his superb performances for Western Province in the 2009 Currie Cup and his excellent start to the Super 14, the Stormers fullback has endeared himself to the Newlands faithful with his long-range relief kicking, accurate goal-kicking, composure under the high ball, strong tackling and elusive attacking running.
If the 24-year-old Pietersen can maintain his present form, he looks headed for Springbok colours in the not too distant future. And as far as Western Province and Stormers fans are concerned, it wouldn't be a moment too soon.
This year Pietersen has the benefit of playing in the same backline as Springbok stars Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie, both of whom moved to Cape Town in the off-season.
"It's definitely a big privilege to play with guys with such a big influence on South African rugby," said Pietersen in conversation on Tuesday after Stormers training at their High Performance Centre in Bellville.
He said that with over 50 Tests caps each, Habana and Fourie were providing valuable guidance with their leadership, training and communication and in keeping the other players on their toes.
"They've had a massive impact - positive in all possible ways," said Pietersen.
Defence was going well for the Stormers team and he was enjoying playing in the back three with Habana and Gio Aplon. They were playing to a clear defensive system and communication was good.
Their 'wings on strings' system was working effectively. "It's basically a communication thing and awareness of where your wing and fullback are," said Pietersen.
He is clearly enjoying the present Stormers set-up, both in terms of team structures and for the freedom granted players to be creative.
"The guys are settled in the structures and we are all aware of what the coaches want. In the game plan we have and within the structures there is a lot of freedom for an individual to express how you can make your contribution to the team," he said.
There was no problem with players taking calculated risks. "We try to play with the same enthusiasm on attack as we bring to our defensive game," he said.
Pietersen is enjoying the responsibility of being the team's number one goal-kicker. "I think it's a massive opportunity. It's awesome to have the privilege to be able to do it."
In general terms, his aim was to "try your best every week; you focus on your role in the team and work hard on any shortcomings".
Looking ahead to Friday's Round Three game against the Brumbies at Newlands, Pietersen said he saw the Brumbies biggest threat being "the way they run their lines and keep the defences guessing. But if we can stay within our defensive structures and can retain possession on attack, we ought to be all right."
By Len
Kaplan