Oliver slips into Paris' charms

An exhibition of impressionist paintings was a must-see part of Anton Oliver's schedule this week as the All Black hooker prepared for tomorrow's test against France.

When the team finished their practice sessions, Oliver packed his art appreciation kitbag for a trip to the Musee d'Orsay and a further venture to the Musee Rodin where he admired the works of the famous French sculptor.

"I just love the form, the three-dimensional aspect of sculpture and it is just so tactile," he said.

"I don't have an artistic bone in my body which perhaps explains my reverence," Oliver said, "same with carpenters and plumbers who are so creative with their hands.

"I was blown away by Michelangelo's sculpture of Pieta in St Peter's. He did that when he was 24 and that makes you feel rather inadequate and wonder what I had achieved at the same age.

"I was a student, drinking and going to lectures," Oliver chortled, "and he was doing a masterpiece."

It does seem incongruous that someone who earns his living in the gladiatorial sport of rugby should also find time for more subtle recreation. Perhaps more accurately, it does shock because it is rare to find a rugby player with Oliver's breadth of interest and intellect.

He is no one-dimensional sports jock. He has a double degree from Dunedin, has invested wisely for his future and can turn his conversation from scrum calls to the war in Iraq with equal comfort.

Oliver carries the rugby warrior gene of his former All Black captain father Frank and the acumen of someone who could be a Rhodes Scholar. He was preparing for life after rugby with some backpacking adventures before a spell at either Oxford or Cambridge University when he received his All Black recall.

After a serious Achilles injury, being dumped as the All Black captain before finally being bypassed for the World Cup, Oliver thought his last game in New Zealand was Otago's galling last-minute loss to Auckland in the NPC.

His form and the twists of fate meant a recall for the trip to Europe with further rewards tomorrow in his elevation to start against France at the Stade de France.

Oliver sees this trip as part of his rugby rebirth and has put all thoughts of retirement on hold and also the publication of his much-awaited book by Brian Turner.

It was his connection with Turner some years ago and subsequent introduction to his circle of friends which fuelled Oliver's interest in the arts.

With a bach in St Bathans in central Otago, Oliver also met other locals, such as artist Grahame Sydney and social commentator and former All Black Chris Laidlaw.

The richness of those experiences spill through in Oliver's dialogue.

"I was never brought up in an artistic environment, so now I am mixing with folk of older generations who appreciate art in all its forms, whether it be in paintings, poetry or art, music at all its levels.

"I am starting to enjoy those so much more," he said.

"You don't often get vertical integration of age groups, like most people my age [29] hang out with those of a similar vintage unless they are relatives. As peers, as friends, 20-year-olds do not normally hang out with 50-year-olds - it is just not done.

"As much as I am drawing from their knowledge and energy, it is also the other way too. It is really a symbiotic world I have found and it is really cool and I feel I could not have better friends really.

"Everyone brings different aspects of their lives to the table and you learn so much from them."

Those qualities and his high-quality rugby probably persuaded All Black coach Graham Henry and his selectors that Oliver was a perfect foil on this trip for some of the rookie All Blacks.

After battling through a stay in Cardiff, Oliver was busting to indulge his wider leisure hobbies in Paris. He owns several sculptures at home, some art and hence his desire to see the work of sculpting masters.

"I love what they have done and also the history behind their work, the period when they had to go against convention and what was thought of as good art. They had to scrape together money to go painting, they had to fight hard for what they felt was right. I admire their dedication and principles."

Sounds familiar if we read the signals correctly about Oliver's fight for what he felt were injustices in a recent turbulent patch in Otago rugby. If he is in awe about his latest trip to Paris he is also wary about his assignment tomorrow.

He was preparing himself to be Keven Mealamu's deputy when coach Henry informed him of the role reversal.

"I think it might be a case of us getting about a half each because this is going to be a full-on contest," Oliver suggested.

"It sounds like a cliche because every time I have done an interview before playing the French you pull out the same stuff. But you do because you are not quite sure who is going to turn up. Although generally against the All Blacks, especially here in France, you know France will be up for it.

"Especially after what happened against Argentina last week, they will have felt embarrassed and we will get the backlash."

The French saw the black jersey like a bull reacting to the red of the matador's cape. It was an invitation to deliver.

It was also the moment for the All Blacks to gel. There had been useful patches against Italy and Wales, the systems had been set and the Stade de France was the arena in which to perform.

"I think New Zealand forward play has been sold a bit short in the past few years," Oliver said.

"I think we fell into the trap because we had guys like Lomu and Wilson and Cullen, we tried to give them the ball too early without doing any work first.

"That became a bit predictable and I think we are now asking our pack for more.

"I think the biggest thing these coaches are trying to create is the belief that the black jersey is not something to be feared by us. A lot of these guys are really young and the jersey has such a mystique and they respect it so much.

"It should release energy, it should be a conduit for expression, not the other way round. It shouldn't be too humbling or something to constrict your expression."

A few months ago, Oliver was planning some tramping or reading books in Central rather than wearing the black jersey in Paris.

"This trip has been invigorating, it has brought back all sorts of warm thoughts and it is important we all go well in this test."