Plaudits for new Cheetahs pivot

Cape Town - Cheetahs scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius says halfback partner Joe Pietersen has brought a calming influence to their backline.

Pietersen has been a revelation at flyhalf for the Cheetahs in his two games for the Bloemfontein franchise. He was recruited in the off-season from France to fill the void left by Johan Goosen, and the former Stormers player played a key role in the Cheetahs' first two victories of the competition.

Pietersen kicked a 79th minute penalty to help his team beat the Blues 25-24 last Friday. As in their first game against the Sharks in Durban, he was again tactically astute, while his clever-cross kick led to a spectacular try scored by wing Cornal Hendricks.