Big test for Olivier

The Bulls have surprisingly named Olivier at 13 on Wednesday. I find this move highly puzzling and see it as a very good weakness to exploit from my Cheetahs. Then again, he does bring that certain something more to the side. Will be interesting to see how he fares. Can't be any worse than the impotent showing by Venter.

Some interesting battles ahead...

10.Morne v Goosen
13.Ebersohn v Olivier
15.Daniller v Kirchner
06.Brussouw v Stegmann
 

Yes some interesting match ups indeed.  What a pity Coenie and Juan are not playing. I also reall yregret the departure of Sarel and Riaan from the Cheetahs/ Put those 4 players in the team and the Cheetahs would be ready to hav ea real crack this year.

 Well with Sadie out it was obvious Olivier would be selected. Not sure where you get your take on Venter from, he had a solid game given the little ball he ever recieved from that wonderful player inside him!! Frans Venter is a star in the making, he impressed enough last season for the Bulls as a 20 year old to force Olivier out to the 13 spot. 

You really do have a strange take on players - do you actually watch the same games the rest of us do? Hell anyone who does not rate Jean, BISMARK and Bekker seriously needs the head and eyes checked. Much like Moz and his take on every second SA player playing the game.....but in particular the likes of J.Fourie and Spies......this from the same guy who sees or saw so much good in the likes of BJ, Bosman, J.Muller and Adi Jacobs......the sums just dont add up at all.

The two of you are a very strange rugby breed

On the contrary, I do pay very close attention to detail, that's how I stay ahead of the curve on a large number of issues. Venter made no impression for the Bulls. I wasn't impressed by either centre on the day. Jean has done nothing at test level in six years, Bekker has done nothing at test level since day one and Bismarck is a very shallow performer. If you like the odd big hit or strong carry out wide that leads to nothing then he's your man. I did however credit Bekker as the leading lock in Super rugby over several seasons. That's as accurate and honest as one can be without a trace of bias or a lie.

I would very much like to call into question your calls Morne and Lambie. Last year in particular I posted a very detailed analysis of Lambie's showing against Australia; you however were not willing to accept the facts of the game. Now that I will very much call odd. I am open to seeing things differently if you provide the evidence. I have even warmed up to de Jongh somewhat.

This is well said and nicely sums up Olvier....quote is from a subsciber on the front page.....

Mar 01, 2012 at 12:36:50

"Olivier is absolutely rubbish and had one good season for the Bulls a few years ago, but thats it! He is too predictable and does not vary his game."

One of Olivier's key failings is his passivity. This is a common trait in our players unfortunately. What this means is that when the game is slipping away, they fall into a comfort zone where they keep doing the same thing repeatedly. Much like Jean repeatedly bashing himself for those precious .0001mm gains. Players like Nonu, Fransie, Hougaard, Du Preez, Morne, Carter, Jauzion, Habana, Dagg, de Jongh etc are more awake and reactive to the situation. That's when they make those game changing moments. Olivier has the goods regardless of whatever limitation he may possess (Nonu himself is also suspect laterally), he just doesn't have it up-stairs to succeed at test level. I cannot accept the view that he is incapable of varying his play, for in the 2010 Super 14 he was devastating on attack forming a lethal combination with Morne. To date that's the best attacking display by a team in Super rugby history! When he falls into those passive moments he fails to do what he does best accurately or with conviction.

With regards to the coming fixture with the Cheetahs, I cannot see how Olivier is going to cut it at 13. I think we'll move the ball to good effect and really test Olivier's mobility.