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Pietersen fears English backs-lash

Facing a media scrum: JP Pietersen

South Africa winger JP Pietersen is not underestimating the threat of England's unheralded backs in the run-up to Saturday's World Cup Final.

The defending World Cup champions are set to persevere with the forwards-based approach that has worked so well against Australia and France in the quarter- and semi-finals respectively, as they aim to become the first country to defend the title.

Their backs, aside from the half-back combination of Andy Gomarsall and Jonny Wilkinson, have seen little of the ball in the knockout stages.

But Pietersen believes England have the ability out wide, should they wish to change tactics.

"They have got some talent in the backs," said the jet-heeled Sharks star.

"We must not underestimate their background. We've always been aware of them and we'll be on our toes for them.

"We can't be relaxed about that because they have not been playing wide.

"Jason Robinson is a very dangerous player, for example, and we cannot give him space."

Pietersen has not been receiving the plaudits lavished on fellow winger Bryan Habana over the past few weeks, but he is playing just as important a role in a strong-looking Springboks back-line.

The 21-year-old grabbed a brace of tries in the 36-0 win over England in the group stages, but he admits he is still learning his trade compared to Habana and co.

"He [Habana] has just been nominated for [International Rugby Board] IRB Player of the Year award," Pietersen added.

"I am still in the beginning stages of rugby. I'm just learning day by day.

"I am still a youngster and I think the senior guys are role models. If people think I am, I'm happy, but I don't think so."

Pietersen was a nine-year-old when South Africa won their one and only World Cup in 1995.

And he is desperate to repeat the exploits of Francois Pienaar's legendary troops.

"I was still at school," he said, recalling the moment the Springboks claimed the Webb Ellis Cup 12 years ago.

"I was a youngster playing with my cousins. I didn't really know much about winning a World Cup, but I remember it being a time full of joy.

"It's an honour and privilege to play next to a guy like Os du Randt, who has won a World Cup. For a lot of guys, this could be their last game so it's going to be special for them.

"I'm more excited than nervous, but I have got butterflies. This means everything to me. It would probably be the golden moment of my life."