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The Fox Sports call of Friday nights Rebels vs Blues game must surely be the nadir of what was already an embarrassing season for Australian commentators.
In a cracking match, the buffoonery of Sean Maloney and Greg Martin in particular demeaned and diminished the on-field performance.
The puerile comments, the guffawing over players mishaps (a Blues player accidentally hitting one of his own in the eye) and the absence of insightful and constructive commentary was cringe-worthy.
The blokey, loud, and constantly joking approach contrasts with the informed, measured and even-handed style of the New Zealand Sky Sports commentators.
The deterioration of Rugby HQ on Thursday nights into a rugby imitation of the old league ‘Footy Show’ nonsense is bad enough, but to share their crassness and lack of useful contribution on an actual match commentary which is aired in New Zealand and South Africa makes it worse.
At times on Friday night I simply hit the mute button, such was my frustration with the coverage. Other than Greg Clarke and Rod Kafer Fox Sports’ ranks of commentators are woeful.
I am sure Tom Lawton is a great guy, a fabulous raconteur, but as a commentator he is woefully inadequate. Even the great George Gregan’s contribution is wooden and (surprisingly) lacking in insight.
Contrast this with Andrew Mehrtens (I acknowledge Justin Marshall is not great but a cut above Greg Martin) and relative no names like Richard Turner.
Is it just me? Am I expecting too much?
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.