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You may remember the Rugby World Cup debacle as it was played out on television: Wallabies vs Scotland telecast at 11pm (for most) and the lack of promotion in general, that’s if they even showed a game!
There was a campaign in 2011 and 2012 to have Channel Nine relinquish all rights to the Wallabies games, which consisted of email after email to Minister Conroy who supported our disenchantment.
How elated was the rugby community in Australia to hear Channel 10 gained the rights to the Wallabies games. How astounded were we to see the game advertised, a real live marketing campaign aimed at drawing the crowd in and increasing excitement, and the big draw card, the return of Gordon Bray!
Being used to such horrendous coverage, we sat down waiting for Channel 10 to ruin the coverage in one swoop… but no!
They covered the game as an actual news item, promoted it via social media (who would have thought such a thing possible), gave us a full hour history of the gigantic clash and then, music to our ears, a perfect telecast, knowing that free-to-air needs advertising, we only saw one add per try.
If they were unable to play an advert, instead of cutting into coverage they placed a banner across the bottom of the screen (another genius idea), and when the match finished they did a wrap up and player interviews.
Channel 10 I say to you: thank you, thank you for putting the buzz back into rugby, thank you for allowing our kids (and adults) the right to watch their bational team in their own homes.
You have restored my faith in free-to-air TV and made me realise just how much Channel Nine hurt rugby for me.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.