The All Blacks captain in 2001, Oliver is regarded as the best scrummaging hooker in the country.

Now one of the veterans of New Zealand rugby, Oliver is one of the few players to have played every season of Super 12 rugby and he is poised to become the first New Zealander to play 100 games.

Oliver's leadership skills were recognised early in his career when he led the New Zealand Under-21 side in his third year with the team.

Oliver has played 51 matches for New Zealand, including 43 Tests. He captained the All Blacks in 2001 and 2002 and was recalled to the national team in 2004.

He created the first father and son captain combination when he was appointed All Black skipper in 2001. His father, Frank, captained the All Blacks in 1978.