Former All Black hooker Anton Oliver played 127 games for the franchise from 1996-2007 but his record is scheduled to be broken this afternoon when fullback Ben Smith takes the field to face the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Oliver, in an email to the Otago Daily Times, said he admired Smith and had been lucky enough to meet him.
"I think it’s fantastic that the most capped Highlander record, which I’ve been fortunate to be the custodian of for a few years, is being passed on to someone else," Oliver said.
"Records such as these are meant to be broken, and now that it has, it means that the Highlander story is fortified and strengthened — rather like building a wall: one by one we become stronger. And while it’s important for any team to be respectful and cognisant of its past, it’s also important to be relevant and connected to the present.
"I remember Gordon Hunter giving a speech at the old Otago supporters’ lounge way back in ’94 or ’95, about John Timu, who had just announced that he was going to play rugby league. Gordon said: ‘Leaving Otago is a bit like leaving the Mafia; when you leave, you leave.’
"And I think he was right. While I’ll always be a Highlander man, I’m not a current Highlander and so it’s for those who are there now, wearing the jersey and representing the franchise, to pick up the baton and carry it forward."
Oliver, who is working in London, said he could not think of a better man to have as the record holder than Smith.
"So it’s great that the record is being passed on and even better that it’s going to a man such as Ben Smith. I’ve met Ben a couple of times — just recently in Wanaka, where I was holidaying with Tony Brown over Christmas — and on each occasion I was struck by how very down to earth he is: humble, self-deprecating, authentic — just a straight-out nice guy.
"In terms of his playing ability, he’s one of that rare breed of player that always seems to make the right decision, never makes glaring mistakes, always seems to be in the right place and the right time, and always plays well. In fact, I can’t recall him ever having a bad game!
"That kind of consistency requires dedication and commitment, but above all mental toughness and resilience to continually keep achieving the very high bar of excellence that he’s set for himself and that others clearly follow."
Smith was a player who a lot of people looked up to, Oliver said.
"I know Ben has inspired loads of young players to hopefully become Highlanders in the future. And who knows, they may even break his record one day!"