'When he talks, you listen' - Cheetahs boss Hawies praises skipper Pienaar after WP comeback

Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie was critical of his side's first-half performance in their 28-21 victory over Western Province on Friday, but hugely pleased with the character they showed in getting over the line in the end. 

The Cheetahs, captained by 38-year-old Springbok veteran Ruan Pienaar, were 21-7 down at one stage but found a way back to score three unanswered tries and maintain their undefeated status in this year's Currie Cup. 

The men from Bloemfontein have played seven, won seven, and are the side to beat in this year's competition. 

The man-of-the-match award went to another Springbok legend in Frans Steyn, and while the comeback was down to a team effort, Fourie was asked to speak about Pienaar's impact in particular at his post-match press conference. 

"Ruan is a special person and player. He's got all the skills and a calm head on his shoulders," said Fourie after the game. 

"Everyone in the team knows that if Ruan talks, you must listen and he will talk sense. You've got to step up and do what he asks, and it's great to have a leader like him in the team."

Fourie, after saying he was "confident" that Steyn would extend his contract with the Cheetahs beyond this season, revealed that he had nearly replaced the two-time World Cup winner on Friday after a shaky start. 

"If I'm honest, Frans didn't have a great first half and there was a time there where I thought I might have to make a change," said Fourie. 

"In the second half, he carried well and got the gain line for us and kicked a lot better. It's difficult in this stadium with the wind swirling and we're not used to it, so it took him some time to adapt."

All in all, though, the Cheetahs stepped it up a gear when they needed to, and that is pleasing for the