Olivier to fill Potgieter’s boots
3 Nov 2009
Hawies Fourie says Naas Olivier is likely to be the Cheetahs’ first-choice flyhalf in next year’s Super 14.
Jacques-Louis Potgieter developed into the incumbent flyhalf at the Cheetahs since his arrival two seasons ago. Although his goal kicking hasn’t been as accurate as it has in previous seasons, he has played a central role at pivot and was one of the Cheetahs’ form players en route to the Currie Cup final. He was also the competition’s top scorer this year with 172 points.
However, Potgieter has decided to move back to his home town of Pretoria for personal reasons, and signed a new deal with the Bulls.
Fourie said Olivier should be able to take over from Potgieter after displaying impressive form for Griquas.
‘Jacques-Louis became a big part of our squad for the last two years and he really started to play well this season. So it will be a loss to us,’ the Cheetahs backline coach told keo.co.za.
‘But Naas also had a good season and he impressed us in the last four games in the Super 14. I think he will be able to fill Jacques-Louis’ boots. On current form, Naas will be first choice. We also have Louis Strydom and Sias Ebersohn for back-up.’
Meanwhile, Fourie confirmed they are finalising negotiations with a new backline recruit for next season. The player should be able to slot in at flyhalf and fullback, as Fourie said they were looking for a utility-back to add depth in the last line of defence.
Details on the deal will only be released tomorrow.
By Gareth Duncan
27 Comments
3 Nov 2009, 10:57 am
Will this Dragon do the thing?
3 Nov 2009, 11:00 am
Naas is not up to S14 standard.
3 Nov 2009, 11:03 am
A shame, the Cheetahs looked good towards the end, but without a good pivot they will struggle.
3 Nov 2009, 11:11 am
Griquas running game seemed to work well with him at 10, will fit in well with the Cheetahs expansive style.
3 Nov 2009, 11:24 am
I wonder if the 10/15 utility player is none other than the GAFF, especially now that the Eagles didn’t make the Prem div.
3 Nov 2009, 11:26 am
Sounds like they’re looking for Gaffie.
3 Nov 2009, 11:27 am
#5 Smellthis: snap.
3 Nov 2009, 11:27 am
I heard a story it might be Monty Dumond from the Sharks.
They apparently has also signed Trueblue Smit from the Leopards.
3 Nov 2009, 11:28 am
Naas is a much beter option than Potskieter. Potties misses to many crucial kicks.
3 Nov 2009, 11:33 am
True blue…in orange – now there is a Joost Jinne!
Monty Dumond and Louis Strydom. Naas, Monty, True Blue.
I need whiskey…
3 Nov 2009, 13:32 pm
looks like they should have tried keeping that u21 flyhalf that province recently bought…
3 Nov 2009, 13:41 pm
No worries
Naas is a solid pivot option, just about as good as JLP and will fit well into their plans.
Cant see any worries there.
Maybe the 10/15 utility player is Earl the Pearl!
3 Nov 2009, 14:16 pm
It’s Monty Dumond. Unfortunately for the Sharks, losing depth at a rate of knots and not replacing it.
3 Nov 2009, 15:06 pm
I wish some European club would sign Earl. It would be the greatest news of this century.
Pity no one is that retarded though.
3 Nov 2009, 15:46 pm
Well if rumour is to be believed, the Cheetahs will have a pretty decent squad for the S14!! My picks would be!
1. Wiaan/Coenie/Albertus Buckle
2. Adriaan Strauss/Ryno Barnes/PW van Vuuren
3. WP Nel/Steph Roberts
4. Brendon Snyman/Nico Breedt
5. David d Vill/Jacques Lombaard/Izak vd Westhuizen
6. Brussow/Scholtz/Kitshoff/Floors
7. Juan Smith/Frans Viljoen/Raubenheimer/Stride
8. Johnson/Uys/Mokuena
9. Sarel Pretorius/JP Joubert/Tewis de Bruyn
10.Naas Olivier/Monty Dumond/Sias Ebersohn
11.Demas/Nokwe/Seconds
12.Bosman/Ebersohn/Geel
13.Ebersohn/Uys/Jonker/Bekker
14.Mapoe/Basson
15.Daniller/Viljoen/Pieterson
Can’t see too many teams best that scrum, lineouts solid, and a very awesome looseforwards.
Big, strong, and very quick wings, solid, centres, and useful Half backs!!
Go cheetahs!!
But wtf am I going to do once the tours are over until the S14 begins lol
3 Nov 2009, 17:49 pm
Cheetah that’s a bloody powerful squad! Too many loosies tho maybe! Who is Bekker on the wing?
Very encouraging side …
3 Nov 2009, 17:59 pm
#15 Cheetah 4 Eva: Raak Hendro nie nou bietjie oud nie. Kitshoff speel lekker rugby. Ek sien Naka reken Raubenheimer sal in sy eerste keuse 22 wees vir volgende jaar nie. lol
3 Nov 2009, 18:01 pm
#16 WP_: Not on the wing, he played outside centre for Griquas in the last couple of matches, was pretty solid..
I see that Mokuena, and Jcques Lombard, are in the Lions training group, so another two of my list! Pity! Lombard looked a good lock!!
Wish the silly season would end now, so we can know who the squads are lol
3 Nov 2009, 18:40 pm
Oh! Jaco Bekker, 13 for the Griquas. Yeah solid player that guy.
Pity about Mokuena leaving, he’s had a great season.
Also you forgot about Richardt Strauss.
3 Nov 2009, 18:53 pm
#19 WP_: Nope Richardt Strauss is headed overseas to play for one of the English clubs…
He is good back up, but lost his composure in the cauldron on saturday
3 Nov 2009, 19:13 pm
#15 Cheetah 4 Eva: keeping the effective front five together is key, one good thing for them being ignored for the EOYT is that it takes them out of the shop window.
3 Nov 2009, 19:18 pm
#21 Big Hit: Jip, that is true, and they guys are all still pretty young as far as props go, so there is enough time to force their way into the Bok squad!!
You can only ignore a good player for so long, at your own detriment as a coach!!
4 Nov 2009, 00:11 am
Oh Cheetah. Didnt realise that about Richardt.
Ironic how the Grey loose trio of 04 were fighting. Brussow, R Strauss and Stegmann.
That must have been childish to watch them dominate at schoolboy level!
4 Nov 2009, 00:53 am
Olivier is a far better player than Potgieter. End of the Super 14 season he was their flyhalf, that’s one of the reason why they started to win a few.
4 Nov 2009, 01:53 am
What about Ruan Pienar? Sharks have Hernandez now and Pienaar will struggle for game time at fly half?
4 Nov 2009, 08:59 am
I don’t believe Naas Olivier is good enough if the Cheetahs want to stake a claim for a semi-final spot in next years Super 14…
I honestly think Sias Ebersohn can be better prospect for them! Maybe Cheetahs can lure a talent like Francois Brummer?
Seeing that the Bulls have Morne Steyn, Potgieter and of course – Jaco V/d Westhuizen…. ai
4 Nov 2009, 10:01 am
Potgieter scores an intercept try and a drop goal then all of a sudden he’s a great loss, give me a break. Didn’t Naas replace halfway through the s14 because he was kak.
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