Wynand Olivier: 'Worcester Warriors keeping injury disruption to a minimum'

Wynand Olivier has won 38 caps for the Springboks

Worcester Warriors' injury problems are not proving too disruptive so far in the Premiership season, says centre Wynand Olivier.

The South Africa international, 33, has played with two different partners in the midfield because of injuries while Warriors have also had issues at fly-half, full-back and on the wing.

"It doesn't really make a difference," Olivier told BBC Sport.

"We've been very unfortunate with injuries but we are professional."

A concussion injury to England squad centre Ben Te'o has seen Olivier team up with another summer signing, Jackson Willison, for most of the season.

Another centre - Ryan Mills - has not played so far this term because of a groin problem, wing Bryce Heem remains out with a ankle injury, while Chris Pennell has only just returned after missing the start of the campaign with a neck issue.

Springbok scrum-half Francois Hougaard will be out for three months after shoulder surgery, fly-half Tom Heathcote is suffering from a calf strain and captain GJ van Velze is not yet ready to return after concussion.

"We have a lot of guys injured but we trained together during pre-season and to play with guys like Ben and Jackson is easy," Olivier said.

"It's just about communication and you get that after a couple of training sessions and you have to adapt.

"All our 10s and nines know what we want to do so we are pretty versatile."

Jamie Shillcock is an England Under-20 international and scored two tries on his first Premiership start at home to Sale Sharks

Worcester's injury problems have handed some of the club's promising youngsters an opportunity to step up and Olivier has been very impressed with how rookies Perry Humphreys, 21, and 19-year-old Jamie Shillcock, who has just signed a new contract, have fared on the wing and at full-back respectively.

"Perry's done exceptionally well - he's scored a couple of brilliant tries and Shilli has been phenomenal," Oliver said.

"Every time these boys get the chance, they're keen to run and they've shown they can play footy."

Warriors, who are seven points clear of bottom club Bristol, continue their Premiership campaign with a trip to Harlequins on Saturday.