Oliver still hot for black jersey

Anton Oliver's desire to be an All Black is as strong as ever.

There was speculation last week Oliver had met All Black coach Graham Henry to indicate he wished to retire from international rugby.

The veteran Highlanders hooker responded publicly for the first time yesterday and, typically, downplayed the speculation by describing it as mildly comedic before saying he still wanted to play in the black jersey.

"Yeah, it was quite strange. It was quite amusing," Oliver said.

"As it's Easter, I suppose I could play the hot-cold game for trying to find eggs.

"Ask me if I met with Graham [to say I didn't want to be an All Black] and I'd say, 'Cold, cold, Antarctic cold'.

"If you were to ask me if I'd gone to see Graham to have a bottle of wine and catch up about this and that, I'd say, 'Hot, boiling hot'.

Meaning?

Oliver is still in contention for All Black selection.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES