'Project Anton' in full swing

When the medics first went to work on Anton Oliver's torn left calf, it measured a whopping 52cm circumference from all the internal bleeding and bruising.

After a fortnight's treatment, the swelling has reduced by about 5cm and Oliver is nearly walking without a limp.

Initially, Highlanders physiotherapist Peter Gallagher assisted Oliver until the hooker accepted an offer to transfer to Auckland for several weeks of treatment from the All Blacks medical team.

Muscle therapist George Duncan, trainer Graham Lowe, doctor Graham Paterson and others have been involved in Project Anton for a week as part of a hands-on total rehabilitation programme.

The concentrated treatment reflects the apprehensive interest of the All Black selectors.

Oliver was in robust form as Highlanders captain, building on the resurgence he achieved last season to become the test hooker again in Europe.

His scrummaging, experience and leadership was going to be a foundation for the All Blacks during the Lions series until he blew his calf in the Super 12 derby against the Crusaders.

Oliver's torn calf became a modern-day version of Colin Meads' broken arm in 1970, it was a matter of national consequence.

While Keven Mealamu, Corey Flynn and Andrew Hore are all quality hookers, it is widely accepted they would have been warming the bench behind Oliver.

With the Lions' arrival imminent and the first test in Christchurch only five weeks away, there is massive interest in Oliver's progress. But he is not talking, not for a while as he does not want his injury to detract from the death throes of the Super 12.

Paterson told the Herald recently that former All Black tighthead prop Olo Brown suffered a bad calf tear and was back playing test rugby in six weeks.

Although Duncan said yesterday it was hard to compare Oliver's injury to Brown's. "Some people are quick healers, some take longer, these guys today are probably more athletic than they were five years ago," he said.

The muscle therapist said he was treating Oliver daily, working slowly with plenty of TLC to get the hooker back walking.

"He is just about walking without a limp, he has been on the bike and rowing machine. Then he might have things like some acupuncture, another rehab training session with Lowie while Doc monitors him about twice a week."

"Every day I want to see some improvement," Duncan said. "I want to see five or 10 per cent each day so at the end of each week there is a chunk of progress.

"We are making good progress and Anton is an excellent patient. He does everything by the book, he is always looking at positives."