SOUTH African centre Wynand Olivier has been hailed as the “ultimate professional” who is reaping the rewards for feeling “comfortable” at Worcester Warriors.

The 33-year-old was electric for Warriors in the first half of last Saturday’s trip to Bath and has been impressive in their opening three matches.

Olivier has partnered England hopeful Ben Te’o and former Grenoble livewire Jackson Willison in this season’s Aviva Premiership.

Last year, Olivier formed a solid midfield partnership with Ryan Mills, who has been on the sidelines with a groin injury.

And the World Cup winner also lined up last term alongside Andy Symons, who joined Gloucester in the summer.

Head coach Carl Hogg believes Olivier is happy with Worcester’s “playing system and the players around him.”

“Wynand is the ultimate professional who has brought a huge amount of calmness and assuredness to our play,” Hogg said.

“He’s a hugely decorated player with South Africa and the Blue Bulls.

“If you’ve seen some of the lines he’s cut over the last two or three weeks, you can now see he’s comfortable with our playing system and the players around him.”

Olivier joined Warriors in October 2015 from French Top 14 side Montpellier and played 18 times in the Premiership last term.

Hogg added: “Wynand’s got great timing and hits the line really well and has a huge calming influence on what is primarily a young backline.”

Inside centre Te’o missed Warriors’ 37-22 defeat against Bath with concussion but is expected to be back for their crunch clash against Sale Sharks at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

Hogg believes there’s plenty of competition in Warriors' midfield as he strives to find the right balance.

“A centre pairing is about getting a combination of what is right for the group,” said Hogg.

“We’ve got guys like Ben (Te’o) who can be physical and guys like Wynand who are hitting great lines and Jackson (Willison) who has got great hands and skill set.

“We have also got Ryan (Mills) to come back and he’s a great ball player and it’s about us getting the right balance across the group.”

Skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze is also expected back after missing Warriors’ matches against Gloucester and Bath with concussion.

Phil Dowson has worn the number eight jersey and captained Warriors in van Velze’s absence.

But Hogg admits he sees the South African “as an out and out” number eight.

“GJ is a number eight and I see him primarily as a leader and captain at number eight,” said Hogg.

“He does have the skillset and flexibility to play at six or potentially at seven but primarily I see him as an out and out eight.”

Hogg also praised flanker Carl Kirwan for his work at the breakdown.

“You get an honest day’s graft out of Carl and it’s great to know you can depend on someone like him who is going to go out, work and influence the game,” said Hogg.

“He doesn’t do things in a particularly flash way but he’s very influential in the tight exchanges around the breakdown.”