Olivier played a huge role in the Cheetahs beating last year’s runners-up 42-19 in Kimberley.

The 30-year-old Olivier also scored one of the Cheetahs five tries as they earned a valuable bonus point.

Fourie told OFM Sport that the player who joined them last from Russia adds a lot of value to the team.

“Since Friedle arrived he impressed met with his work ethic and attention to detail and he is just a special person as well,” said Fourie.

“He works really hard and he knows everything. You can move him to lock, flank and eighth-man and he will know every little bit of detail for each of those positions.

“That makes him special.

“It's a pity we didn't get hold of him earlier in his career, but he still has four or five years left in his career and hopefully he will play most of those for the Cheetahs.”

Meanwhile, the other Cheetahs flanker, Gideon van der Merwe, also had a big game on his return to the field after nine-month injury lay-off. Although the fiery number six only played for 40 minutes, Fourie was more than satisfied that he did his job.

“It was decision that we took ahead of the game as he hadn't played for a long time. The decided on playing him for 40 minutes, and maybe extend that to 50 minutes.

“At half time I decided that he has done his job and Daniel Maartens is a quality player. “Especially in the second half when the other team is a bit tied Maartens is very effective. So, I wanted to play him as well.

“I'm satisfied with Gideon's start and I think he will take a lot confidence from his performance.”

The next will tackle the Griffons in Welkom on Sunday in their next Currie Cup game.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport