The 30-year-old Friedle Olivier earned the man of the match award of Friday evening during the Cheetahs hard-fought 27-20 win over the Griquas in the Toyota Challenge.

Olivier was contracted as a replacement for Aidon Davis and can play at both lock and in the back-row.

Fourie told OFM Sport that Olivier’s performance in the second-row is exactly what he has been looking for.

“It will be tough for the other locks to take Friedle's place,” said Fourie.

“I think that he staked his claim against the Griquas and he added that bit of grunt that I want in our tight-five.

“I just felt that in the previous games we were not physical enough and didn't make enough good metres and quick ball with our carriers.

“That is what he gave us against the Griquas. It will be tough for the other guys to get the jersey off of him.”

The Cheetahs are taking a break until the end of the month before starting their preparations for the European Challenge Cup.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport