Meyer: JP is 'brilliant, big and strong'
The decision of Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer to start with JP Pietersen at outside centre ahead of Juan de Jongh has caused more than just a stir.
Some so-called pundits took to social media networks to hurl abuse at the Bok mentor, but Meyer stood his ground – explaining that Pietersen's size and power are the attributes that won him the vote.
Obviously the selection of Sevens Bok Cornal Hendricks also grabbed a few headlines, but it is the midfield selection for the non-cap international against a World XV at Newlands on Saturday that has created the most passionate debate.
Meyer, speaking at the team's base in Cape Town, revealed that Pietersen prefers playing in the No.13 jersey – a position he has featured in a number of times for the Sharks.
"I always thought JP is a brilliant outside centre," Meyer said of Pietersen's selection.
"He is the same mould as Jaque Fourie – big and strong, while he is also very experienced."
Meyer drew a parallel with recent international greats such as Wallaby legend Stirling Mortlock and former All Black captain Tana Umaga, pointing out they also started on the wing and then moved to outside centre.
"I did not know it beforehand, but JP also prefers [to play at] No.13," Meyer said.
"He played a lot [at] No.13 in Japan's Top League as well. Defensively he will be fine there.
"I always believed he can be a great centre, while I also wanted to give Cornal a chance [on the wing].
"I truly believe he can be great at No.13 – he is a very strong runner and I want to get him more involved in the game. At No.13 he can be devastating if he gets the ball more in his hands."
Asked if Pietersen's shift to midfield could be more permanent in the Green and Gold, Meyer said Saturday's match would answer that question.
"I had a long discussion with him, it is in his hands now and we will make a decision after the weekend.
"Going to the World Cup [next year] you also need guys who are versatile. In the long-run I want to see what he offers to us in that position."
Meyer admitted that De Jongh has shown great form in 2014, but felt this match – a non-cap international – is the perfect opportunity to try out new midfield options.
"He was very, very close to selection," the Bok coach said, when asked about De Jongh.
"This is not an official Test and I don't want to go into a Test and try things. I want to make those experiments in this game.
"I know what I have in Juan de Jongh and I truly believes he played some great rugby this year.
"He knows where he stands [in the Bok set-up].
"I want to see JP in this game, against the best in the world."
Asked about the selection of Hendricks, Meyer said he is "very, very excited" about the flyer.
"He is an excellent player, with great skills," the Bok mentor said, adding: "He has proven himself in Sevens against the best players in the world.
"In the three or four days of training [with the Boks] he showed signs of brilliance.
"I truly believe he can be an unbelievable player.
"I have a great feeling about Cornal and he has been really impressive in Super Rugby – it is now in his hands to show he can play in this position [for the Boks]."
Asked about the lack of midfield cover on the bench, Meyer said Morné Steyn will cover No.12, while Hendricks has played No.13 for Boland some years ago and he can cover outside centre. Then there is also Bryan Habana, who can also cover No.13 .
By Jan de Koning
