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The IRB’s Total Rugby on pay TV is the best ‘football’ program on television and it must be shown on Free to Air TV in Australia. I have just finished watching the most recent show covering a game between Finland and Estonia on their quest to qualify for the European Cup.
They were playing in a beautifully manicured field in the middle of a forest, with make-shift goal posts made from soccer goals in front of a handful of spectators. The rugby, admitted shown as highlights, was surprisingly good.
You got a sense of how much work the IRB is doing to grow rugby in new regions. It was great to watch.
We were then treated to highlights from the South African Curry Cup and a preview of Heineken Cup matches in Europe. Watching the passion and the size of the crowds at these matches were amazing.
The rugby highlights were incredibly entertaining.
I watched excerpts from New Zealand’s ITM cup. Although the crowds were modest, the rugby was electric. We were given a glimpse into the life of the up and coming star of New Zealand rugby, Julian Savea, the player of the tournament at this year’s U/20 World Cup.
The show is the perfect balance of action and feel good stories.
It’s a quality show.
No one is dressing up in dresses, trying to crack puerile jokes or stuffing around. It’s about the game.
In Australia, the only ‘football’ show that comes close to this in quality is On the Couch. It’s a completely different style of show, but a show about the game for people who want to learn about the game.
Many in Australian rugby are pessimistic about the game. I agree that Australia can do more domestically to make rugby the best it can be here, but there is a bigger world out there and rugby is thriving.
Treat yourself, watch the show and lift your spirits. If you don’t have pay TV you can access the shows or on Youtube. The show I referred to in this post should be uploaded shortly.
In 2011, Channel 9 will have a one hour highlights package on Super Rugby. This is an excellent initiative.
Although most rugby fans would like a full game shown on Free to Air TV most of us understand the need to get the maximum dollar from the pay TV deal and a highlights package is a reasonable compromise. In addition to this program, it’s imperative for the ARU to work with the IRB and get Total Rugby on at a decent time slot on Free to Air TV in Australia.
It’s a great show and will quench some of the thirst that Australian rugby fans have for the game.
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.