Campo rates new Bok

Former Australia wing David Campese has been branded an inspiration towards the rise of new Springbok fullback JP Pietersen to Test status.

David "the goose step" Campese: "He's bloody quick"

Pietersen was chosen by South Africa coach Jake White to make his Bok debut in the closing Tri-Nations fixture at Ellis Park this weekend.

The decision comes after a number of strong outings for the youngster South African provincial side, the Sharks, both in the Currie Cup and Super 14 competitions.

Pietersen, 20, has wasted little time in making his appearance known to the selectors of South African rugby, the youngster only making his Sharks Super 14 debut earlier this year.

It was at the Sharks' camp where Campese, who acts as a backline consultant, knew that this was a talent in the making.

"He's bloody quick and very unpredictable," said Campese.

"JP is one of those guys who can create something from nothing.

"He reminds me a bit of Chris Latham (Wallabies fullback) when he was starting out.

"But it is a big ask to be thrown into a Test without so much as a run off the bench.

"I'm sure he'll handle it but he is up against a pretty good team."

Spotted at a schoolboys carnival, Pietersen was signed to the Sharks academy, played Currie Cup last year, graduated to Super 14 and was a standout for the South Africa Under-21 team at this year's world titles.

The new member to the Bok team has not forgotten the people that guided him get where he is today and pays equal tribute to the Wallaby legend that helped him out along the way.

"Campo has played a good role in my development," Pietersen said.

"Just basic things to help you. Things to do with catching the ball, kicking the ball, staying composed, always be concentrating for 80 minutes.

"When you're down he'll always give you something to go away and think about."