Originally Posted by
clever3000:
“While BT's football coverage is quite complained about, the rugby coverage is exemplary. They have a very good selection of Presenters, Pundits and Commentators, and have done a great job at integrating current players as pundits, as you have mentioned OMc Attwood was very good, Monye was also a good addition while he was still playing for Harlequins. While i like what Austin Healey says for some reason he seems to remind me of Michael Owen when he is commentating
”
It really has set the bar, and it has been interesting to see things introduced or normalised by BT such as 3-man commentary teams and pitchwalks appear more frequently on other broadcasters (though the latter is something I don't especially think adds a lot).
Monye, like Dallaglio, is certainly up to the job (in particular once you get used to his sense of humour, and for some reason he seems to work better in a 2-man team than as a 3rd man), but Kay and Healey (and David Flatman to a certain extent) are a step above.
I think it's the accent that makes Austin Healey sound like Michael Owen. Owen's from Chester and I think Healey is from somewhere in Merseyside nearby. I'm not sure the accusations usually levelled at Owen (monotone and uninsightful) can really be levelled at Austin Healey however.
Quote:
“Mullins and Eykyn are very good rugby commentators, for me Mullins is the stronger commentator as i find Eykyn to be a bit up and down, where as Mullins seems to be the same on all games, he will be as good on London Irish vs Newcastle as he would on England vs Wales.”
I somewhat agree, though I think you either love or hate Nick Mullins as his commentary style and turn of phrase are quite distinctive. Eykyn tends to play it safe a bit more.
Quote:
“Rugby tonight is also a very good programme, BT really have done very well on Rugby, producing continually strong performances and they have given Rugby an excellent platform.”
I don't get to see it often, but it is very good. I think you can get away with that more when broadcasting rugby compared to football. Imagine if BT used their mainstream football presenters and pundits and produced something similar, with some equivalent to the smashometer and whatever else. There would be uproar.