Share

Cheetahs to target Olivier

Cape Town - The Cheetahs will be targeting Wynand Olivier's defence when they take on the Bulls in a Super Rugby clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Olivier will be playing outside centre and it is for that reason that the Cheetahs will be targeting the Springbok, who's just returned from a hand injury.

The 28-year-old Olivier has successfully played at No 13 before but inside centre is where he's played most of his 34 Tests and 87 Super Rugby matches.

Olivier replaces Johann Sadie, who injured his shoulder against the Sharks last week, with the promising young Francois Venter remaining at inside centre.

The Cheetahs will also field a new centre pairing after inside centre Andries Strauss was suspended for a tip-tackle on Lions lock Wikus van Heerden. Philip Snyman replaces Strauss to join Robert Ebersohn in midfield.

And the Cheetahs' backline coach, Hawies Fourie, told Volksblad they have a few surprises in store for Olivier.

"We have a move or two where we specifically want to attack Wynand.

"But one cannot think too far ahead and should also focus on one’s own strong points," said Fourie.

The clash at the Free State Stadium kicks off at 17:05 on Saturday.

Teams:

Cheetahs:
15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Rocco Jansen, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Philip Snyman, 11 Willie le Roux, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane

Substitutes: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Cameron Jacobs

Bulls:
15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Akona Ndungane, 13. Wynand Olivier, 12. Francois Venter, 11. Bjorn Basson, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Francois Hougaard, 8. Pierre Spies (captain), 7. Jacques Potgieter, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Juandre Kruger, 4. Flip van der Merwe, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1. Dean Greyling

Substitutes: 16. Willie Wepener, 17. Frik Kirsten, 18. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19. CJ Stander, 20. Jano Vermaak, 21. Louis Fouche, 22. JJ Engelbrecht

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE