Full name Francis James Oliver
Born
December 24, 1948, Dunedin
Died
March 17, 2014, Palmerston North (aged 65 years 83 days)
Major teams New Zealand, New Zealand XV
Position Lock
|
Span | Mat | Start | Sub | Pts | Tries | Conv | Pens | Drop | GfM | Won | Lost | Draw | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
All Tests | 1976-1981 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 64.7 |
Bledisloe Cup | 1978-1978 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.66 |
Test debut | South Africa v New Zealand at Johannesburg, Sep 18, 1976 match details |
Last Test | New Zealand v South Africa at Wellington, Aug 29, 1981 match details |
Test Statsguru | Main menu | Career summary | Match list | Most points | Most tries | Tournament list |
An enforcer worthy of the name, Oliver created a reputation as one of the hardest operators in New Zealand, winning 17 caps for the All Blacks and captaining the side on three occasions.
While not the largest, his unruffled demeanour helped to form the backbone of a successful side. In 1977 he played four Tests against the British & Irish Lions, after making his debut against South Africa earlier in the year. He went on to play three Tests on the All Blacks' 1978 Grand Slam tour of the northern hemisphere.
After retirement his coaching career took in spells with the Hurricanes and Blues in Super Rugby.His son, hooker Anton, played 59 Tests for New Zealand and was also part of a Grand Slam in 2005.
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