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In just two days the 2011 Rugby World Cup will commence, and wherever you look, it’s hard to miss coverage and commentary on one of the biggest sporting events of the year. That is, unless you are watching Channel Nine.
CEO David Gyngell proclaimed in 2008 that Nine “really are the wide world of sports now” after securing the tournament rights, with sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup the “tent poles keeping free-to-air television dominant.”
Well David, the tent is slowly sagging, and you’re doing nothing about it.
Nine seem loathe to commit to a television schedule for the Rugby World Cup for fear of interfering with their prized asset, the NRL finals series.
Sadly, it is rugby fans who will be wearing the cost of their indecision.
After months of anticipation, the 2011 Rugby World Cup kicks off at 6.30pm on Friday night, as the host nation New Zealand takes on Tonga.
Over three hours later, those who haven’t already watched the game or at least heard the score will be able to watch the action unfold at 9.45pm.
That is, of course, if you live in New South Wales or Queensland.
For viewers in other states, the match will commence at 1.40am on Saturday morning. For rugby fans in Perth, that is over nine hours from the scheduled kick off.
Undoubtedly the most frustrating aspect of this is the fact the Nine have the ability to broadcast the game live on their digital channel GEM.
Clearly, they are looking to protect the jewel in their crown, the NRL, whilst disregarding the interests of true rugby fans.
Thankfully, Australia’s opener against Italy on Sunday will be broadcast live into all states.
But the smooth sailing won’t last long.
The following two weeks see the Wallabies take on Ireland at 6.30pm on Saturday, 17 September before facing USA at 6.30pm on Friday, 23 September.
Problem is, both of those games will run head on into Nine’s coverage of the NRL finals, and there will only be one winner.
The question is, with only the Rugby World Cup final placed in Tier A of the current Anti-Siphoning list, Nine will have no obligation to broadcast the match live.
Will they choose broadcast the match live at the expense of the NRL?
Nine have been spared the clash with the NRL grand final, with the Wallabies playing Russia on Saturday – running head-to-head with the AFL grand final, which is to be broadcast by Ten.
The current Anti-Siphoning list does not to protect the quarter-finals and semi-finals, either.
As Tier B events, there is no guarantee a quarter-final of say, England vs France would be broadcast live.
The myriad black spots that dot the television schedule raise more questions that answers, and for fans who do not have access to pay television, detract from their Rugby World Cup experience.
If the silence that is emanating from Nine is anything to go by, they are questions that they are still grappling with as well.
But with over two years to sit down and work this out, it is an inexcusable silence, and one that is affecting those who just want to watch the game.
For the fans’ sake, Nine must act swiftly.
Let’s get on with the show.
View The Roar’s TV guide for the Rugby World Cup.
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.