The Wynand & Jean combo

In the absence of Frans Steyn it is more than likely that Wynand Olivier will partner Jean de Villiers in the Bok midfield and the Bulls man can't wait.

Olivier has been on the fringes for the last few years without ever establishing himself in the Springbok set-up, and is relishing the prospect of a starting role.

The Springbok skipper and Olivier have spent the last few years competing for the No.12 jersey, but will now have to quickly strike up a partnership for the Port Elizabeth Test.

"Playing with someone like him [De Villiers] for me has only been once a year maybe," Olivier told SAPA. "The last time I played with him was 2006 or 2007."

Olivier added: "I enjoy playing with Jean and I have a lot of respect for him. He has such experience and talks a lot and makes things easier."

The 29-year-old believes he has something to prove to himself more than to anybody else.

"I wouldn't say to prove a point, but maybe I have a point to prove to myself," he said.

"Maybe I can make a step up to international rugby, so I want to go out there and do my best. I've been in and out the squad for a couple years and it's great to be back in international rugby."

Cameos in and out of the team means that Olivier has spent time under Jake White and Peter de Villiers, but probably has the best understanding with Heyneke Meyer, who he also played for at the Bulls.

"From Jake to Peter everyone brings something different," he said.

"I was a lot younger with Jake and now I return with some experience now. I'm a little more focused, a little more relaxed with the experience I got through the years."