Move to Japan means JP must wait

The All Blacks may have a five-match winning streak against the Springboks, but that means nothing to JP Pietersen.

The last time Pietersen played against the All Blacks he was a World Cup winner.

The Boks' last win over the All Blacks came on the cusp of the World Cup, during the then Tri-Nations tournament in 2011.

"I haven't played them since that game in Port Elizabeth," Pietersen, who is on the bench for Saturday's Test at Ellis Park, said yesterday.

When reminded that he should not carry any of the baggage from the recent defeats against the All Blacks, Pietersen's riposte was sharp: "I'm part of the nation. Whenever South Africa loses, it hurts."

He will, however, have to wait to make his mark as coach Heyneke Meyer has invested in experience on the bench.

Cornal Hendricks now commands the right wing post, while the 55-capped Pietersen has been earmarked as cover for centre as well.

"As a player, every guy wants to be in the starting lineup. At the moment, Cornal is playing very well, and Bryan (Habana) as well. You just have to wait for your opportunity to come."

Plying his trade in Japan means it will be difficult for him to hold down a regular place in the squad.

Meyer named Duane Vermeulen in his starting lineup despite the No8's in-limbo fitness status.

Vermeulen injured his ribs last weekend and will be given until tomorrow's captain's practice to prove his fitness.

Meyer can't overstate Vermeulen's importance to the cause: "The battle of the loose forwards will probably determine the outcome. We are facing probably the best loose forwards in the world."

After the brouhaha that followed his inclusion last week, there was hardly a whisper when Oupa Mohoje's name was read out yesterday. He retained his place along with Marcell Coetzee. But Schalk Burger will play No8 if Vermeulen fails to come through. In that case, Warren Whiteley will take up a position on the bench.

If declared fit, Vermeulen will be one of eight starting returnees from last year's blockbuster at Ellis Park. Only one combination remains untouched - the front row - after Bismarck du Plessis was restored to hooker ahead of Adriaan Strauss.

TV Highlights

Today

Cricket: T20 Champions League semifinals, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Hobart Hurricanes at 12.30pm; Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings at 4.30pm, both on SS2

Mixed martial arts: EFC 34 at 8pm on SS7

Golf: Dunhill Links Championship from St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns at 2pm on SS1/CSN

Soccer: Europa League, Krasnodar vs Everton at 7pm on SS3; Rijeka vs Sevilla at 7pm on SS5; Wolfsburg vs Lille at 7pm on SS6; Tottenham vs Besiktas at 9pm on SS3; Inter Milan vs Qarabag at 9pm on SS5; Celtic vs Dinamo Zagreb at 9pm on SS6; Estoril vs Panathjinaikos at 9pm on SSMax

Tennis: ATP Japan Open at 6am and 4am (tomorrow) on SS5; ATP China Open at 6.30am on SS6