McLaren was the best, daylight comes second

 

Roar Pro

By preciouspress, 21 Jan 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Pro

Tagged:

 Bill McClaren, Gavin Hastings, Rugby Union, Scottish rugby

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“First and foremost, Bill was a very proud and passionate Scot but such was his professionalism that you would never really have known that. He always remained very unbiased in his commentary and I think that that was unquestionably one of his endearing qualities.”

This was the tribute given by former Scotland rugby captain, Gavin Hastings, to Bill McLaren, who died this week.

Those who might pretend to be commentators should not only mark Hastings’ words, but also listen to any one of the many matches McLaren covered before they again address a microphone.

They should learn that knowledge of the game and its players is a prime requisite, but communicating the excitement and love of the game requires a particular talent.

They may listen to them all, but not find anything from McLaren but impartial analysis.

I recommend this to all those who cover games for Australian, New Zealand and South African television, and hopefully some of them, at least those with any modicum of sensitivity, might then realize how a real professional should work.

Commentary is not barracking for your country. Leave that to the ‘Fanatics’, the ‘Barmy Army’, and most of the rest of us.

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