THE glare surrounding Warriors’ crucial clash against Bristol has created a “Test match atmosphere”, according to South Africa international Wynand Olivier.

The experienced centre has played 38 times for the Springboks and was part of their World Cup-winning squad in 2007.

With tomorrow’s match attracting widespread television and media coverage Olivier will be sharing his experiences with the likes of wing Josh Adams.

“Luckily me and a couple of other guys have had the opportunity to play Test rugby and been involved in World Cup finals and other finals,” said Olivier, 33.

“We have a fair idea of how to manage the pressure. I have played a couple of finals through my career and you tend to learn how to manage it.

“The nerves are quite high playing in the first one but the main thing is to just do what you are doing in the week. Don’t go off script and if you’ve got a routine stick to it.

“I think it’s more important to help the youngsters keep calm and that’s when senior players can just help them through it and give the right advice.

“You can feel a bit of a Test match atmosphere with what’s been going on this week.”

Olivier was left out of Worcester’s squad for the Boxing Day defeat at Bristol when England’s Ben Te’o formed a midfield partnership with Jackson Willison.

But Te’o is with England’s squad for the Six Nations.

“I didn’t play the last Bristol game but the big moments are things every player looks forward to because you can show what you can do,” said Olivier.

“For any player the main goal is to play. You’re not going to get picked for every match but you want to be part of the game.

“Playing with Jacko is quite an exciting thing. There are some amazing players at the club and obviously Benny is with England.

“It doesn’t matter who you play with because you have to make the most of it. But being able to play with a guy like Jacko by my side gives me a fair bit of comfort because he’s a solid, great player, works quite hard and takes some pressure off me.”

Olivier enjoys the physical battles in the Premiership and believes that aspect will be important with Bristol desperate to climb off the bottom of the table.

“Bristol play quite an expansive game and tend to tighten up every now and then,” said Olivier. “It’s going to a very physical game with a lot of running for the backs so it should be exciting.

“Both teams want to win and stay up but this is one of the big ones in the season.”