Oliver's hopes for test spot look remote

Frustration for Anton Oliver.

Anton Oliver's chances of playing the Lions appear to have receded almost entirely after further judgment on his calf injury.

Initially, there was optimism Oliver would recover in six weeks, but yesterday that was increased to nine weeks - a date which would coincide with the third test at Eden Park.

All Black coach Graham Henry conceded the hooker's injury was worse and that there had been some problem with the initial diagnosis.

"It is more serious than first thought," he said.

"It is the soleus muscle, which is the inner calf muscle, which is harder to treat and takes longer to heal with the blood supply not so great, and all those sort of things.

"It is frustrating for Anton because he would love to be out there, but he is going to have to be a bit more patient."

The 29-year-old Oliver and Mose Tuiali'i, who had a pinched nerve in his back, are being treated by the All Black medical staff, but are not officially part of the squad.

A former All Black captain, Oliver had been in the sort of powerful form which restored him to the test team last season until he tore his calf muscle on May 7 when the Highlanders hosted the Crusaders at Carisbrook.

Oliver has played 43 tests, but his hopes of adding to that tally against the Lions next month are now looking remote.