'Naas needs boos to boot'
Herbert Pretorius, Die Burger
Cape Town - Western Province flyhalf Naas Olivier won't crack under the pressure of the Currie Cup semi-final against the Blue Bulls rugby team in Pretoria on Saturday, says former Springbok Louis Koen.
Questions about Olivier's temperament emerged when he missed five kicks at goal in a crucial match against the Lions recently.
Had he succeeded with those kicks, WP might have been playing at home this weekend.
Koen, a former WP flyhalf himself, has been the Cape team's specialist kicking coach for the past two seasons. He feels there is nothing wrong with Olivier's temperament.
"Naas will be playing in his first semi-final on Saturday and, in matches such as this, pressure has a major influence on one's kicking. But, Naas thrives under pressure.
"He even struggles to practise his kicking when there are no spectators to boo him.
"The more noise and the more pressure, the better he concentrates," said Koen on Wednesday.
Takes time to get accustomed to it
Olivier was by no means a finished product as goal kicker, Koen said, adding: "His success rate with kicks at goal in this year's Currie Cup competition is 70%. We had hoped for 80%.
"I'm not looking for excuses, but this is my first season with Naas and we have had to make same alterations to his technique. When you change, it always takes time to get accustomed to it.
"In the long term it will make him a more-accurate goal kicker," said Koen, who feels his apprentice will be ready for the game on Saturday.
"My philosophy is simple: if your technique is in order and you are prepared to put in the hard work during the week, you will be ready for the weekend."
That is precisely what Olivier and Koen have been doing all season. "We spend about an hour and a half on kicking every day," said Koen.
Now that no bonus points are at stake for four or more tries in a match, the goal kicking of Olivier and his direct opponent, Derick Hougaard, will be of much-greater importance.
"I anticipate an even match," said Koen.
"It seldom happens in play-off matches that one team runs away with the game. That's why every kick will count on Saturday."
Koen, who also played for the Bulls in the Super 12 competition, feels the presence of the experienced Werner Greeff at inside centre will have a calming influence on the young flyhalf.
Greeff 'will be fit'
"Werner's return is a big bonus for WP. He remains cool under pressure and will provide guidance to the young players."
Greeff has been unable to practise this week because of a slight knee injury, but WP coach Kobus van der Merwe confirmed on Wednesday that the versatile veteran would play against the Blue Bulls.
"I spoke to Werner this morning and he assured me that he would be fit," Van der Merwe said.
News source: www.news24.co.za
Posted by: www.SouthAfrica-CarHire.com
We'll kick your butt if you are not in shape! No more hiring cars for you, you have to walk
Click Click... Vroom, Vroom
