All Black Frank Oliver passes away at 65

Wasnt overly familiar with his earlier career with Southland but formed part of one of my favourite sides in Manawatu of the early 80's where so many great provincial and AB's cam from the relatively small union- Mark Donaldson, Geoff Old, Kent Lambert, Bruce Hemara, Gary Knight, John Calleson, High Blair, Ken Granger, Doug Rollerson, Mark 'Cowboy' Shaw to name a few and formed a formidable partnership with Andy Haden in the 70's.

Father of AB Anton Oliver and one of the greats of AB rugby. One of the few remaining genuine quiet but unassuming hard men of the pre professional game.

R.I.P.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11221712

Sad news... the rugby fraternity will rally around the family.

Didnt he score the try that was never seen? I think it was against Scotland and bizarrely the game finished in the dark. ...no floodlights and late kick off. ...I remember the tv pictures trying to follow the action but it was pitch black. .hilarious

I notice the Welsh fans are staying off this topic, the less said the better.   

This week New Zealand rugby mourned the death of hardman and lock of All black packs Frank Oliver.

Contrary to what you may hear outside of New Zealand, Frank's nickname, "Filth"  wasn't because he was a dirty player, but because he was a policeman.

For a period he played provincial rugby for Southland. In 1976 Ireland were touring New Zealand, and after getting beaten up by the Canterbury forwards, they were determined to not repeat the process in the following game which was against Southland. In the early minutes of the game the "99" call went out and the Irish players flew in and started belting the S...t out of  the Southlanders, 29 players were involved in the ensuing fight, apart from the lonesome Frank, none of the Irish would go near him.

As a victim Frank won a test against Wales, In 1978 Wales were leading against the All Blacks and there was only 1 minute to go, Frank was maliciously attacked by Geoff Wheel referee Roger Quittenton awarded a penalty, Brian Mckecknie kicked the goal for the All Blacks to claim victory.

Frank is the father of All Black captain Anton Oliver.

Apologies Taylorman, I just realised that you have already covered this.