Commentators

Chris B.

@Chris-B Upvote for everything above your last sentence. I like Stevenson, but I think that ship has sailed after all his bitter posts on social media after he left Sky.

Haven't seen Scotty's posts, but he'd have probably been better served just sucking it (whatever) up given how small the NZ media is.

KiwiMurph

Rikki Swannell is the best by some distance

Have McTainish leading the rest of the field.

Really have enjoyed Strachan as a co commentator - you can tell he's kept up with the game.

I quite like Te Nana but equally I can understand how he could grate.

Bovidae

I find Wheeler's voice annoying to listen to, whatever he says. Te Nana is the same for me too.

Machpants

@African-Monkey said in Commentators:

Rikki Swannell or Ken Laban for me.

Laban is terrible, nothing about what's going on the game but shouts of surnames, and history lessons of what school or club they played for. He is the only commentator I turn the sound off for

Donsteppa

Sumo started out as the guy whose commentary sounded like he genuinely loved the game, and that he had the best seat in the house. Seemed to morph into a bit of a best friend for the players.

Billy Tell

Need to know about opposition players. When the sides visit NZ from NH, can’t be clueless. Absolutely love Nisbo but no access to NZ commentary in Switzerland, so I usually have the French commentators. Not a TJ fan, he’s just too gushing.

Nepia

@Chris-B said in Commentators:

Despite the Sky bosses' feelings on Sumo, sometimes you have to put professionalism ahead of grudges and I wouldn't mind seeing him back.

His commentary was too matey, not that professional, and he didn't take constructive criticism very well.

frugby

Jeff McTainsh would be who I'd go for. Hits a good balance with facts, passion, and knowledge.

booboo

@Nepia said in Commentators:

@Chris-B said in Commentators:

Despite the Sky bosses' feelings on Sumo, sometimes you have to put professionalism ahead of grudges and I wouldn't mind seeing him back.

His commentary was too matey, not that professional, and he didn't take constructive criticism very well.

Made one of the better posts on TSF though.

After getting criticised for his pronunciation of (I think) Georgian names in 2011 mby poster @mr-bungle made some comment about how to pronounce " Mr Bunglay".

Was funny but I can't fully remember the details.

Victor Meldrew

Can't say I've heard too much of Jeff Mctainish commentating so will watch out for him. Rikki Swannell is really good - right mix of description and excitement and never over the top. She gets very good reviews here in the UK, esp her 7's work.

Mils is really coming along. Much as I like Marshall's passion for good rugby, Mils any day.

The Silver Fern

Commentators