Naas Olivier vital to Vodacom Cheetahs success
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Naas Olivier captured on camera by Hilton Kotze
Rugby 15 has come across a nice article from Jóhann Thormählen, Media24 jounalist who has interviewed Naas Olivier. The increase in penalties in the first round of the Super14 has once more added focus on the importance of kicking at goal, and we would like to share the thoughts expressed in this story!
The story is titled “Olivier wants to make opponents pay” and we would like to quote:
“Cheetahs flyhalf Naas Olivier wants to use his kicking boot in the Super 14 to make opponents pay. He also wants to establish himself as the best flyhalf in South Africa and is keen to take on Springbok No 10 Ruan Pienaar on Friday.
Olivier took on another Bok No 10 in the Bulls’ Morné Steyn at the weekend and his form against the Sharks will be vitally important for the Cheetahs. Olivier, 27, who has 22 Super14 games to his name, wants his kicking to do the talking.
“One of my aims is making a contribution with my kicking, especially as more penalties are being awarded. I would like to maintain an 85% success ratio with my kicking at posts,” said Olivier.
The Cheetahs hope that Olivier can keep the scoreboard ticking for them in the same way that he did for Griquas in last year’s Currie Cup.
A failed penalty or conversion has often been at the heart of a Cheetahs defeat in the past and hopefully Olivier’s boot can help ensure more victories.
He performed excellently against the Bulls by slotting seven out of eight kicks — five penalties and two conversions — for a success ratio of 88%.
He almost missed the match with a knee injury, but is feeling fit now.
The flyhalf already made his Super 14 debut for the Stormers in 2006 and, fitness permitting, hopes to be in the starting team as much as possible.
“You eye bigger goals when you play regularly. I want to show that I can be a threat to Morné in the Springbok team,” he said.
“You have to see every chance in the Super 14 as your last one. It’s a tough series.
“You play the best teams in the world every weekend. You will lose your place if you don’t perform.”
Olivier believes good defence will be crucial to stop powerful Sharks ball-carriers such as flanker Jean Deysel. He also wants to get the ball to his strike runners out wide as often as possible.
He believes Pienaar is an incredibly good player and is looking forward to the test.
“If you play at Super 14 level and don’t want to measure yourself against the best, you should not play. I want to become the best flyhalf in the country,” said Olivier.”
[Info from story by Jóhann Thormählen, SuperRugby]
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