THE SPRINGBOKS ARE SWEATING OVER THE FITNESS OF JP PIETERSEN AHEAD OF THEIR LAST POOL B CLASH AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON WEDNESDAY.
The veteran wing will undergo a fitness test on Monday to determine the extent of his knee injury that he suffered in his team's 34-16 victory over Scotland on Saturday.
Pietersen has been in fine form for the two-time champions in the tournament so far scoring four tries in two games - including a hat-trick in the 46-6 demolition of Samoa.
His work rate around the field during his team's last two matches has also been outstanding.
With the quarterfinal round just around the corner head coach Heyneke Meyer might be tempted to rest some of his key players against the USA, including Pietersen.
Meyer still has wing Lwazi Mvovo at his disposal, while a number of other players in the backline can also shift out wide. Fullback Willie le Roux can also be used on the wing, however, Meyer might be tempted to rest him as well.
Meanwhile, the Springboks will know that a win over the Eagles will secure them top spot in Pool B. Scotland and Japan will also be fighting for a qualification spot, however, it is the Scots who are favoured to join the Springboks on the play-offs.
A win over the Eagles will see the Springboks face either Australia or Wales in the quarterfinals.
