Commentary

[Donny osmond]

"He saw the hole and went for glory"

Who said Barnes cant pundit? I'm still laughing 9 hours later.

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk

[Mellsblue]

It's either laugh or cry. You chose the correct option. I remember Dewi Morris spending the first half of a Bedford play-off match mispronouncing our capt's name. I was quite annoyed but then remembered it was Dewi Morris, a man who probably couldn't spell his own forename until 12, and I just laughed at the absurdity of this man being allowed to broadcast to the general public whilst being paid.
It was only the first half, though. He spends most of his time when commentating on Bedford matches telling everyone how many mates he has on the coaching staff. I assume one of his 'mates' had a word with him at halftime. It's instructive that they hadn't spoken to him prior to the match or the preceding weeks and months.

[skidger]

Watched the games live on sky and then watched them the following day with the NZ commentary. When you hear Marshall explain things and the empathy he shares with fellow players you realise how shite Barnes is. It stands out so much more if you listen to Marshall do the same game. Just little things like how the Kiwis were lining up to receive a kick from either Sexton or Farrell and so much more. He actually tries to give the viewer an insight into why certain things are happening whilst Barnes just generally mumbles nonsense out of his three chinned mouth.

[zer0]

Straight out of the Murray Mexted commentators play book.

[Sandydragon]

Watched the games live on sky and then watched them the following day with the NZ commentary. When you hear Marshall explain things and the empathy he shares with fellow players you realise how shite Barnes is. It stands out so much more if you listen to Marshall do the same game. Just little things like how the Kiwis were lining up to receive a kick from either Sexton or Farrell and so much more. He actually tries to give the viewer an insight into why certain things are happening whilst Barnes just generally mumbles nonsense out of his three chinned mouth.

Aye, Barnes is terrible. Almost as bad as Greenwood getting his Shakespeare on mid match. We, the viewers who are paying to watch the fucking match, all get how important it is and that there is some pressure. Is it too much to ask that some of the commentators could perhaps analyse the game and give us an insight into why certain things are happening? Most commentators add nothing to the game, nor too do the post match interviewers.

[Banquo]

Watched the games live on sky and then watched them the following day with the NZ commentary. When you hear Marshall explain things and the empathy he shares with fellow players you realise how shite Barnes is. It stands out so much more if you listen to Marshall do the same game. Just little things like how the Kiwis were lining up to receive a kick from either Sexton or Farrell and so much more. He actually tries to give the viewer an insight into why certain things are happening whilst Barnes just generally mumbles nonsense out of his three chinned mouth.

Aye, Barnes is terrible. Almost as bad as Greenwood getting his Shakespeare on mid match. We, the viewers who are paying to watch the fucking match, all get how important it is and that there is some pressure. Is it too much to ask that some of the commentators could perhaps analyse the game and give us an insight into why certain things are happening? Most commentators add nothing to the game, nor too do the post match interviewers.

agreed, Barnes has a pre-written play book that he trots out, Greenwood fancies himself as some sort of Bohemian poet, Scotty takes wearing his heart on his sleeve to new extremes. The likes of Marshall demonstrate real understanding of the game, and illuminate the kiwi thinking approach to the game, with attention to detail (something Gatland brought when he first started coaching Wales as well), and good explanation. In fairness Healey also does this, but in his 'unique' way....and Flatman is good in specific areas on this too. But in terms of how the detail fits into the bigger picture of game strategy, the likes of Marshall are way ahead.

[Digby]

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

An awful lot of what's happening in TV commentary just seems to be about not leaving any moments of silence. Maybe this is what people broadly want, but it's not radio and the pictures could be allowed to speak for themselves. So perhaps during what remains of the off season all the broadcasters could spend some time channeling their inner Dan Maskell, and there is a difference -

Oh I say

[skidger]

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

An awful lot of what's happening in TV commentary just seems to be about not leaving any moments of silence. Maybe this is what people broadly want, but it's not radio and the pictures could be allowed to speak for themselves. So perhaps during what remains of the off season all the broadcasters could spend some time channeling their inner Dan Maskell, and there is a difference -

Oh I say

Richie Benaud is believed to have given advice to a young up and coming type(possibly Gower) and it was something like let the pictures do the talking. Bit easier with cricket but you get the picture.

[Sandydragon]

I completely agree. Obviously very different for radio where a commentator needs to be very gifted to make sense verbally of a complex game like rugby.

There is also a time and a place for a commentator to highlight good play, particularly if its not something obvious. I'd suggest that adding some analysis to the commentary would add the biggest value; if it happens at all its usually during half time, which is all very well but surely experienced players turned commentators can look at a match and talk a bit more about the strategies on show?

[oldbackrow]

I completely agree. Obviously very different for radio where a commentator needs to be very gifted to make sense verbally of a complex game like rugby.

There is also a time and a place for a commentator to highlight good play, particularly if its not something obvious. I'd suggest that adding some analysis to the commentary would add the biggest value; if it happens at all its usually during half time, which is all very well but surely experienced players turned commentators can look at a match and talk a bit more about the strategies on show?

And that is what Barnes does so badly! (and in fairness so do many others, JD screeching "Numbers!!!" every so often)

Just recently the best co-commentator/pundit has been David Flatman (?)on BT Sport (but I only see that when at my sons).

[Sandydragon]

I completely agree. Obviously very different for radio where a commentator needs to be very gifted to make sense verbally of a complex game like rugby.

There is also a time and a place for a commentator to highlight good play, particularly if its not something obvious. I'd suggest that adding some analysis to the commentary would add the biggest value; if it happens at all its usually during half time, which is all very well but surely experienced players turned commentators can look at a match and talk a bit more about the strategies on show?

And that is what Barnes does so badly! (and in fairness so do many others, JD screeching "Numbers!!!" every so often)

Just recently the best co-commentator/pundit has been David Flatman (?)on BT Sport (but I only see that when at my sons).

Sorry, by analysis I mean actually useful insight rather than stating the bleeding obvious. The wank fest over certain players is also unhelpful.

[oldbackrow]

Sorry, by analysis I mean actually useful insight rather than stating the bleeding obvious. The wank fest over certain players is also unhelpful.

And that was what I was thinking about Flatmen. He didn't just give an opinion or, as you quite rightly phrased it 'wank fest'!

[Mr Mwenda]

When did they start having such big commentary teams? With the increase in both cards and pundits there'll soon be more people with microphones than on the field. I blame professionalism, people like Quinnell have no career to go to so it's pitchside or bust.

Future developments - a specialist sinbin analyst? Grewcock or Botha giving their views on the importance of timing and comfort of a good sit down?

[Sandydragon]

Perhaps a time to reflect led by Will Greenwood as he reads out some poetry?

[Mikey Brown]

I think Marshall is miles ahead. I quite like Cotter/Flatman but can't think of many others that don't actively irritate me.

Watching lots of BBC Alba I've really grown to enjoy commentary in a language that I don't understand. You get the same flow without the irritation of hearing them try to be funny. The Argentine commentators are great for this too.

[oldbackrow]

Perhaps a time to reflect led by Will Greenwood as he reads out some poetry?

Oh I can see it now, "The Rugby Poets" a compilation CD of Shakespearian poetry read by: Will Greenwood, Eddie Butler, Stuart Barnes, Scott Quinnell, Jonathan Davies and Murray Mexted! Add an introductory discussion on Iambic Pentameter by Sir Clive Woodward and Jonny Wilkinson and you have a Platinum disc winner!

[Sandydragon]

I think Marshall is miles ahead. I quite like Cotter/Flatman but can't think of many others that don't actively irritate me.

Watching lots of BBC Alba I've really grown to enjoy commentary in a language that I don't understand. You get the same flow without the irritation of hearing them try to be funny. The Argentine commentators are great for this too.

I gave up on the translation for S4C a while ago, for the same reason. Not understanding the commentator is a bonus.

[skidger]

Perhaps a time to reflect led by Will Greenwood as he reads out some poetry?

Oh I can see it now, "The Rugby Poets" a compilation CD of Shakespearian poetry read by: Will Greenwood, Eddie Butler, Stuart Barnes, Scott Quinnell, Jonathan Davies and Murray Mexted! Add an introductory discussion on Iambic Pentameter by Sir Clive Woodward and Jonny Wilkinson and you have a Platinum disc winner!

I look forward to those moving and dramatic clips coming up in the 6n. The beeb do 2 or 3 every year with Eddie Butler talking over them to try and give them some gravitas. Sadly they are just pompous bollocks.

[Puja]

Perhaps a time to reflect led by Will Greenwood as he reads out some poetry?

Oh I can see it now, "The Rugby Poets" a compilation CD of Shakespearian poetry read by: Will Greenwood, Eddie Butler, Stuart Barnes, Scott Quinnell, Jonathan Davies and Murray Mexted! Add an introductory discussion on Iambic Pentameter by Sir Clive Woodward and Jonny Wilkinson and you have a Platinum disc winner!

Unfair to put Wilkinson in there. He's quality entertainment just to watch him evade any contact - physical or eye - with World Cup Winner Clive, despite Clive's best efforts at being close pals.

Puja

[oldbackrow]

I still love Jonny and do enjoy his insights but he can sometimes be a bit ....... eccentric? esoteric?

[skidger]

I still love Jonny and do enjoy his insights but he can sometimes be a bit ....... eccentric? esoteric?

Yes the pauses and using 273 words when a lot less would do can annoy. Nice bloke and loving the inner zen.

[Beasties]

Flatman's out on his own as far as Uk commentary goes, he's the funniest too. Healey and Kay are generally enjoyable although both can irritate at times, esp when they're being too simplistic. I'll give an opinion on BOD once he stops using that godawful word "identify". It boils my piss.

[Mikey Brown]

Kay and Healey can be good in those brief moments they aren't trying to be funny. Healey in particular seems to revel far too much in it all.

[Banquo]

Kay and Healey can be good in those brief moments they aren't trying to be funny. Healey in particular seems to revel far too much in it all.

Healey can be amusing, and knows his stuff, but underneath you just know he's a dick

[Spiffy]

Kay and Healey can be good in those brief moments they aren't trying to be funny. Healey in particular seems to revel far too much in it all.

Healey can be amusing, and knows his stuff, but underneath you just know he's a dick

He does know his stuff, but like Kay, is frequently guilty of hyper analysis or false analysis - trying to make simple situations with simpe explanations far more complex and multi layered than they really are. Often, the replayed visuals to make his point just don't make his point at all.