Vodacom Super 14
Percy lauds Pietersen
2009-05-13 07:04
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Joe Pietersen (Gallo Images)
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Stephen Nell
Cape Town - Percy Montgomery has told Joe Pietersen to keep up the good work after his impressive performance at fullback for the Stormers in last Saturday’s victory over the Western Force at Newlands.
Pietersen, who celebrates his 24th birthday next week, grabbed his opportunity in the absence of the injured Conrad Jantjes and scored two excellent tries.
“It’s good to see players such as Joe Pietersen and Morgan Newman getting opportunities,” said Montgomery.
“Joe really played well and joined the line at pace on a number of occasions. That is what a fullback should do. He is a very talented player and should be used in the right games.
“He may not be ideally suited to wet conditions because you may want a bigger fullback to get you over the advantage line.
“But Joe has the ability to create something out of nothing. He is also a very good team man because he never grumbled when he was on the periphery of the side for a long time.
“When he got his opportunity, he excelled. That shows his commitment.”
Pietersen is expected to be named at fullback again on Wednesday in the Stormers side that will take on the Cheetahs in a Super 14 match in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
He is expected to be a key player for Western Province in the Currie Cup.
“The Currie Cup is good for every player’s development. Like Morgan, Joe has now had a taste. They know what is expected if they regularly want to make the team,” said Montgomery.
The veteran feels sorry for Jantjes, who broke his leg in the Stormers’ defeat to the Chiefs. Jantjes may be out of action for nine months and there have been suggestions that he may only return after next year’s Super 14.
“I have been trying to get hold of Conrad, but his phone is off,” said Montgomery.
Meanwhile, the Stormers will not consider the Springbok duo of centre Jean de Villiers and lock Andries Bekker for selection in their final Super 14 match of the season. Both missed last week’s game due to injuries.