Pietersen Receives Bok Call-Up
Jun 18,2012
Stormers fullback Joe Pietersen has been called up to the Springbok squad in Port Elizabeth following the non-availability of a number of fullback options for Saturday’s third and final Castle Incoming Tour Test against England.
Pietersen will join the squad later on Monday as they prepare for Saturday’s Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Injuries to fullbacks Zane Kirchner (knee) and Pat Lambie (ankle) in the first two Tests, as well as Frans Steyn’s non-availability because he is getting married, has necessitated the call-up of Pietersen.
Pietersen, who had been struggling with a back injury, had been given the all clear by the Western Province medical team to join to Boks on Monday.
“Joe has always been part of our plans and also attended our final Planning Camp in Durban shortly before the England series started,” explained Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
“Injuries are part of the game and something you can’t plan for, but we always knew Frans was not going to be available for this Test. Joe knows our systems and game plans and I’m sure he will slot in easily.”
Lambie and Willem Alberts, who injured knee ligaments in the second Test, both underwent scans on Monday morning in Port Elizabeth. They have not yet been ruled out of the Test and a further decision on their availability will be made by Wednesday.
“We’ve decided not to call up a replacement for Willem as we have enough cover amongst the loose forwards in the squad,” said Meyer.
Comments (7)
Jun 19, 2012 at 02:46:42
Hell Ya !! This guy had a fantastic season and is so underrated. Everyone seemed to be up in arms over Aplon's exclusion when the squad was originally chosen, though, not so much for Joe. Glad he's there now, though I doubt he'll get game time.
Jun 19, 2012 at 11:38:16
Well i believe he has just gotten over a BACK INJURY, so i gues he will need to build his fitness and warm the bench!
Jun 19, 2012 at 08:54:15
Well the odds of him starting are slim. Don't get me wrong I am glad he is getting the recognition he deserves. but he has been out for close to a month. i won't start with him. Maybe on the bench, but not so sure on his match fitness.
Jun 19, 2012 at 09:23:11
Yes General Joe deserves a shot and it will be interesting to see how he goes if he plays. He is very talented and if he really goes for it could cause England a few headaches. The other side of the coin is his smallness which England might exploit.
See ya on the ruckers forum General!
Jun 19, 2012 at 10:15:20
Really glad for Joe, he has had a great season and is duly rewarded. hope he gets a run off the bench, but also think Aplon will start.
Jun 19, 2012 at 16:05:06
sorry to say but i would have gone with hennie daniller. johan peterson is not my first choice. way to robotic. but lets hope he can shake off no cups coetzee's lack of flair and have a decent game
Jun 18, 2012 at 20:57:22
I would've him picked before Kirchner. Hopefully he will have a solid outing and make the 15 jersey his own.