Best and Worst Rugby Commentators/Pundits

[@MrRugbylane]

Lets not have this video pass without forgetting the fantastic Xhosa commentator Kaunda Ntunja who died at the tragically young age of 38. I dont speak a syllable of Xhosa but I still loved his commentary in that incredible language. Love from Ireland.

[@tarreckbyrne492]

Amen

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah that's true mate! Inspiring stuff!

[@mdavidom5903]

🙏🏾👍🏾...pretty sure you meant “without remembering”...😉...appreciating your appreciation

[@MrRugbylane]

My bad with the double negative 🙂

[@fearmorpiercemacmaghnais7186]

@@mdavidom5903 its an irish thing our language has alot of double negatives so it translates to English ie. Without forgetting , you will yeah means you won't, yeah right means no , I will in me hole means I won't , I haven't seen no one , cause in irish the word for no is níl wich directly translates to i wont and the word for yes is tá wuch translates to i will

[@mikestory6023]

Thanks for including my uncle Bill McLaren. Apart from his famous commentary, Bill was a PE teacher who coached literally thousands of kids from his small home town of Hawick pop:13000. It is testomy that Bill coached at least 30 scotland internationalist and 7 British lions as they came through Hawick primary schools. His Grandson Rory also went on to captain Scotland. This year Hawick has still managed three internationalist in Hogg, D'Arcy Graham and Rory Sutherland. Well done Bill McLaren.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Truly a legend of the game mate and from what I've heard much loved by the community!

[@powerbite92]

Colin Deans the 1980s Scotland no. 2 and captain was coached by Bill McLaren. You probably know this story.He coached Colin Deans, "popping off to bed aged nine knowing that the next morning it would be my time to be coached by Mr McLaren was even more exciting than Christmas Eve. He asked each of us our names. 'Colin Deans, sir.' 'Peter Deans' laddie?’ 'Yes sir.' 'You’ll be a hooker then.'" Colin Deans became one of the best hookers in the Scottish rugby.

[@Andrew-fn9xx]

Bill McLaren was, in my opinion, the best commentator in the northern hemisphere. His voice, accent and knowledge of the game made for an amazing experience watching a game he was the commentator for.

[@subwax]

Grew up listening to him commentate - a true legend of the game.

[@derekallan1341]

yes!!!!! Nobody came close to him

[@simongilliat2205]

Add Cliff Morgan to the list, if only for the Barbarians-All Blacks game in 1973. I think McLaren was ill that day, and Morgan stepped in. "What a score!!"

[@derekallan1341]

there was NOBODY better than the late and great BIL MCCLAREN.

[@malcolm9650]

Bill Mclaren was and always will be the goat in rugby union commentary. Imo

[@chrismouton1985]

Yeah. I remember clearly one time when he said: Percy Montgomery, the man kicks like a sea cannon! Hahaha!

[@malcolm9650]

@@chrismouton1985 🤣🤣 he had a way with words that no one else can seem to do. Stay safe bro

[@95VJay]

BOOOOMFA! I flippin love Justin Marshall. As a Saffa, I feel like he has lots a respect for the Springboks. Hugh Bladen is a legend. I will always remember his commentary for the Bulls - Crusaders 2009 game, when Morne Steyn kicked his 4th dropgoal: "it's sailing sailing sailing... OVEEEER"

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Lol Bladen's "OVEEER!" is a classic!

[@girshin]

Hugh always sounds drunk though ....

[@mattybhoy6522]

@@girshin the guy likes a drink

[@Malky24]

I remember Bill McLaren back in the day describing Doddie Weir going on a rare line break as being "like a mad giraffe". Which made me chuckle even as a kid.

[@jukeseyable]

The late and truly great Bill McLaren

[@jdjones4825]

R.I.P.

[@tollyt7465]

The GOAT!

[@zw5509]

Agree, simply the best! 'Went over the bar like a three pound haggis'. Classic stuff.

[@suffern63]

I hear his name,I hear two cents speak about him and I smile.Woof.

[@garykidson]

Stuart Barnes and Brian Moore make me enjoy the game on mute if I’m honest.

[@Shambok212]

I second that.. Barnes in particular

[@chambzors1]

I do a pretty good commentary of rugby in the lounge room, just ask my neighbours.

[@bigwill4978]

👍

[@TwoCentsRugby]

😂

[@User-uq1pj]

Rod Keyfer and co are the worst thing to ever happen to rugby commentary.

[@Samizouza]

Yeah, those darn Aussie callers over exaggerate almost everytime. At least Sean Maloney isn't that bad compared to Greg Clarke.

[@D4N1CU5]

Kafer is ok, I think he works best when he's doing analysis as he seems to actually understand what's going on most of the time. Kearns is shit, Clark is ok but Greg Martin. My god. How has he kept his job? Doesn't appear to know the rules or who's playing in what position ever. Horan is ok. Gregan is either so obviously nervous he vomits word salad or stumbles around for words. No in between. If I had to pick, it would be Sean Maloney, a female rugby player, maybe Charlotte Caslick when she retires? and Kafer doing the analysis with the giant touch screen. Edit: I reckon Stephen Hoiles would go good. Surprisingly articulate for a forward.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

I think this is the top rated comment 😂

[@User-uq1pj]

@@TwoCentsRugby thanks mate😂. I think you put it lightly when you say they drive everyone up the wall

[@harjansandhu2990]

Damn right!

[@stephenb7528]

Eddie Butler pronouncing french names is always good value. He even puts on a French accent for the "french" south Africans and Fijians.

[@phiphedude7684]

is this the dude who says Pieter-Steph Du Toit as Du Twah

[@stephenb7528]

@@phiphedude7684 almost certainly

[@jukeseyable]

@@phiphedude7684 tall guy, was a 2nd row back in the day, you will often find him in the six Nations on the Wales Vs matches. He hates Brian Moore, and they have to work together for Wales England. Their thinly veiled bickering is a decent enough backdrop to the rugby

[@peteryoungpeteryoung965]

@@jukeseyable Lol😀 . Eddie was in the all conquering Pontypool side of the 70/80's. His nickname was "Superted". He played in the era when rugby was a posh boys game in England and a working class game in Wales. Eddie was a rarity in Wales at the time in the fact that he was a privately educated Cambridge blue, hence the language skills.

[@nigel4425]

Eddie 'fu**ing' Butler, as he is known in this house, is a pompous, overblown fool. he maintains a modicum of impartiality as long as he isn't commentating on Wales or England. He can't keep his pro-Welsh and anti-English feelings out of his commentary otherwise. He was a passable No.8 with 16 caps for Wales over 4 years, how he made it on the 1983 Lions tour to NZ is beyond me... Bill McLaren all the way for me, none better before or since.

[@mechiellouw3315]

Hey mate! I watch The Breakdown here in South Africa. I think I appreciate Mils Muliana the most. He's just honest, humble, and wears his heart on his sleeve. The chemistry between JK and Jeff Wilson, or lack thereof, can be a little jarring. Overall I enjoy it. Have a good one!

[@iandonaldson4]

Really enjoyed this video mate, something a little different. Cheers from Canada

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Cheers Ian mate!

[@joedennehy386]

The legendary cricket commentator, John Arlott once described richard hadlees stutter start to his run up, as like groucho marx chasing a waitress, and big merv hughes, running in like a bear riding a unicycle

[@bulbousity]

I was fortunate to have the legendary Bill Mclaren as my P.E teacher in primary 6 & 7 at Primary School

[@ay613]

That's sick.

[@attilathehunny486]

Now that’s a story to tell! 👍🏾

[@TwoCentsRugby]

That is proper amazing mate!

[@iang1119]

Brilliant. A real claim to fame. Wow !!! And if he taught history can you imagine how those lessons would have been !

[@stuarttaylor1799]

Bill McLaren. Brilliant. Often described the pack as "a bunch of Sherman tanks". His Welsh equivalent was Cliff Morgan whose love of the game just came out when he commentated. 1973 All Blacks v Barbarians. He made "that try".

[@oldman774]

Bill McLaren was in a class of his own, in 1997 his description of Pieter Rossouw running like a Gazelle will stay with me forever. There hasn’t been anyone in his class since. From SA in the seventies you had Gerard Viviers, the only guy I would rate in the class of McLaren.

[@bigwill4978]

I was thinking about this subject today after being on twitter. I'm so glad you made this video!!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah bro I've been meaning to do a vid on it for a while but that news story which I first saw on your tweet was the one that kicked it off

[@SkinnyBruRugby]

Sonny-bill calling a Sonny-bill pass!😅

[@bigwill4978]

@@SkinnyBruRugby 😂😂😂

[@chriscunningham7155]

Bill McLaren was the commentator's commentator. He talked to the viewers like a family member throughout the game and his passion for the game was evident. Sadly missed.

[@hraklispapageorgiou6926]

Hugh Bladen has to be my favourite of all time, growing up watching Currie cup with him, cant beat it!

[@BillOsano]

Hugh Bladen Rules. Now we have to suffer with Owen NKUMANE...boring, guttural, goes missing, boring too death.

[@mpumelelobeyers957]

*Mr UNBELIEVABLE!!!* 🇿🇦💯👑

[@powerbite92]

He hung on too long I felt, but in his prime was a great commentator.

[@dulls8475]

I am English but have always found that Justin Marshall to be the best all round. He is fair unbiased and he loves rugby.

[@NathanMcClintock]

I agree. Not sure why many NZers do t like him. He is fair and passionate.

[@dangriff12]

@@NathanMcClintock Maybe him being fair is the issue.

[@CraigPrinsloo]

Yeah I agree while heartedly, as a South African supporter, I always enjoy Justin Marshall.

[@aaronrowe2700]

@@NathanMcClintock if u were a new zealander u would understand

[@NathanMcClintock]

@@aaronrowe2700 I was the last time I looked.

[@Mr1in1000000]

Imagine Phil kearns and Justin marshall together.OMG!!!

[@bigwill4978]

Oh hell nah!😂😂😂

[@DPRoberts70]

That would be painful 😣

[@JTM1809]

What a worthy topic, mate! I think we've discussed this before, but there are three things, that grind my freaking gears: bias, arrogance/disrespect, and lack of effort. Bias is obvious. While I can tolerate and understand, that one roots for their home side, it shouldn't get in the way of their better judgement all the time to the point that they're reinterpreting by 180 degrees what everyone else can see. Arrogance/disrespect towards the opposition is one of the lowest traits on a sports commentator. And here I understand, that different cultures have vastly different concept of where confidence ends and arrogance begins. But certain things are beyond the pale. Like labelling an entire group with some negative characteristics (e.g. one Irish commentator calling all New Zealanders cynical), or parading one's ignorance of the other team as if it was a virtue (the subconscious messaging is, that the other team are minnows below the commentator's radar). Some commentators use the public platform either to indulge their own personal issues, or signal to the lowest common denominator of the nationalist viewers, like that English clown, who claimed before the 2019 RWC final, that the best 15 of the two finalists would be entirely English. I knew his name at some point, but forgot it, and frankly: everyone should, and he should be thankful, because one can't make more of a royal ass of oneself publicly than that. Lack of effort is just being lazy in learning some background on players, or learning to pronounce their names properly. It doesn't have to be perfect, but the effort should be there. Some people doesn't even bother to pretend, that they care, and sometimes I suspect it's even intentional, which would put the individual into the arrogance/disrespect bin. But I would also put the ignorance of the laws and personal opinions on what should be a red card offence. I'm so sick and tired of the "this should be penalty at worst" when even a layman as myself can see it's a direct contact with a head, significant force and no mitigating factors. This is what I expect from commentators: even-keeled approach without bias, respectful behavior, diligence in doing one's own homework. I'm a layman who's never played a second of rugby, but I know every NZ, SA, AUS, WAL, ENG, ARG national team player by their face and know the club they play for, and the same works for 70-80% of SCO, IRE, FRA, ITA squads as well. I fully expect paid experts to be much better than that, and when they aren't it's simply unacceptable. There are anonymous fans out there on Twitter or KZbin who know 10,000 times more than I do, so no one who knows even less than I do should be getting paid for being average. That's rewarding mediocrity which in the end it helps no one at all. I won't name any names, but there are two commentators from an unspecified SH country, who tick all three boxes, and they drive me up the wall. You might have mentioned them yourself. WRT Kirwan: I'm not a fan of his slightly arrogant attitude. He was an excellent player and clearly knows a ton about the game, so I think he gets a pass from a lot of people there. What I mind about him is, that while in 95% of cases I agree with what he says, even though I might not be fond of the delivery, every once in a while he says something that's plain old nonsense (and not by a little), and he should know it. WRT Gregan: I actually kind of like the guy, but more in the "halftime summary" sense. I appreciate his measured, calm style. I'd have him over Kafer 11 times our of 10 (oops). WRT the former players turned play-by-play: I think rugby is in a bit of a unique position here, as rugby players are very intelligent in general (it's a tactically demanding sport played largely at high schools and universities), and I can think of many former players who could easily become play-by-play commentators if they ever decided so.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah I would expect people in those roles to know more of the players than I do, as well as having a better understanding of the rules than I do. Some of these guys clearly just show up for work and talk a bit of bollocks for the 3 hours they're on the air

[@normanstewart7130]

Bill McLaren: "that one'll have snow on it".

[@TCBumby]

When I moved over to the uk. All I miss is the sound of Justin Marshall commentary.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Lolol of all the things to miss.... not a mince and cheese pie... but Justin Marshall 🤣

[@johanmarais9950]

Just thought I'd share this with you: Gerhard Viviers was a famous commentator from way back in RSA. He covered a lot of sport including the odd boxing title fights. He was awesome and I will actually classify him as an entertainer as he was completely biased towards RSA teams/individuals. E.g.: Pierre Fourie (boxing pro from South Africa) fought Victor Galindez and Bob Foster for World Champ titles. In those days SA did not have TV so we listened to Viviers' commentry and based on the commentry Fourie beat them all comfortably - but the decisions went against him and Viviers went carzy about these decisions. SA was up in arms the next day as we should have had a new World Champ. Years after these events we watched it on TV and in trailors in movies and could not believe it was the same contest - Fourie clearly lost all the boxing fights without any doubt. But Viviers gave the SA's hope in those days and it worked. Very funny looking back at it and it would have been funny to see someone like that today doing commentry on live TV. Just saying..

[@hansdedipper2912]

Spiekeries 👍😊

[@kiwi1lad]

I completely agree with Marshall. I still remember the comentary for the 15’ World Cup with Grant Nisbett, when Beauden Barrett is running after the ball that smith has kicked, Marshall says ‘Beauden Barret’ and Nisbett ‘he’s got a heap of pace’, Marshall like ‘Go Beauden’ like the whole of NZ was, and both of them going ‘THATS THE WORLD CUP’ when he gathers and scores. Nothing better!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah there was nothing neutral about that broadcast, lol

[@musandlala7991]

You know. If only I could understand what the Franch commentators are saying. Those guys are lively.

[@brom18711]

The most cringe worthy mispronunciation of all time has to go to Australian commentary’s absolute disregard for Ioane (Digby). No attempt at all.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yep mate they don't even try

[@Olivierstreet]

Owen Nkumane pronounced Rieko's surname as "Eye-Au-Knee". This was when Rieko was at the peak of his international career so far. It's still upsetting.

[@erwerwewerwer4575]

Extremely surprised with the lack of Keith Quinn fans in the comments. How can we not forget when he literally creamed his trousers during the RWC '95 semis -"Lomu!!! Oooooohhh....Oooohhhh!!!"

[@katana723]

I actually really like Marshy. Yes he gets over excited but honestly he also provides surprisingly good technical and player insight that I don't hear from most commentators. And echoing other comments, his bias will bleed through when the Crusaders play, but during internationals he's pretty fairly balanced. He compliments and criticizes both teams Also a shame Grant Nisbett didn't get pulled to commentate for RWC2019

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah apart from his Crusaders bias (which I can forgive) - I think he adds value

[@gwynevans6440]

I love Eddie Butler, but he misses a lot. He's fluent Drench speaker and studied Modern Languages at Cambridge, so I think we can trust his pronunciation on those guys.

[@Dunnerstunner369]

Wow you're the first person I agree 100% with on all of these names. I don't get the huge hate towards Marshy. And when you said JK, I'm WITH you entirely. He comes across like he's making a huge point every week on the breakdown, weirdly a lot of people lap it up, but he very rarely makes a concise point, and when he does I usually disagree with him (Re, right wingers don't get as much ball because players don't like passing from left to right lol). Talks to the other pundits like they "just don't know". Was good to see Marshy have a (semi) dispute with him this week.

[@srconway1]

The sheer mention of Bill McLaren put a smile on my face! 👍🏻

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Absolute legend mate

[@Shamankzn]

The greatest commentator of all time was the irreplaceable Bill Maclaren!! I was introduced to his commentary watching the 5 nations in the 80's and 90's. A legend, still miss him! I enjoy Matt Pierce for play by play and Justin Marshal for analysis. There is no such thing as an unbiased Australian commentator. Welsh commentators seem to be quite whiney... which is surprising because their players are definitely not! English Commentators - I am indifferent about Irish Commentators - I like Scottish Commentators - I like USA commentators - I don't like the shouty commentating style For giggles, I sometimes listen to the Xhosa commentary in South Africa, I don't know what they are saying (unfortunately) but you have to love the passion. Like listening to South American football commentary. I never really hear the other language commentators, maybe French, Argentinean, or Georgian, etc commentators are fabulous, I just don't know.

[@lukecrossley9661]

I actually enjoy David Flatman on commentary when he gets a gig, NH games only but he has some good lines

[@aw6936]

I always get the impression that Flatman, like Bill McLaren, rehearses his lines in front of a mirror.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Flatman has a good sense of humour for sure

[@kronos3037]

I miss Bill McClaren and Murray Mexted

[@-NemoMeImpuneLacessit]

Worst commentary ever, Stuart Barnes. Worst pundit, Sir Clive Woodward. Conversely best ever commentary Bill McClaren ( r.i.p.) currently unsure, best pundit Jonny Wilkinson.

[@cobusbrits2]

Have to agree about Clive Woodward. In the midgame commentary on RWC final got analysis right but he sure is tough to watch.

[@jdjones4825]

Jonny Wilkinson is s space cadet....that's probably where all the magic mushrooms went..

[@MrRugbylane]

The funny thing is that Barnes managed to come up with the "some say he's plays like he is God, but I think he is better than that" commentary when O'Driscoll scored against Oz for the Lions. To be fair that was a pretty good moment.

[@rhianc7347]

Totally agree you on Barnes and Woodward, especially Barnes.

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

I find Grant 'All Blacks, Crusaders, Barrett' Nesbitt painful. He's happy to gloat about All Blacks when theyre winning, yet goes very very quiet whenever they are carded or caught doing something wrong, leaving the talking the Marshall. Oh, and the way his voice quivers higher whenever a Barrett touches the ball....wow. talk about a love affair

[@twolessba1087]

i really like paul o'connell when he does commentary he's clear and has really good insight not only into the workings of the game but the specific tactics teams might use

[@MabDarogan2]

Spot on for Healey. There's nothing good about him.

[@sillymongoose3972]

I really dislike healey

[@lifeaddict8747]

Aaaarrrrgggg Austin Healey is the worst, I think he just makes stuff up as he goes along.

[@murrayleckie4937]

@@sillymongoose3972 Even his friends can't stand him !!!!

[@dawidmaree5002]

Sir John and Justin - spot on - if I say anything more I'm bound to upset somebody.

[@lee_Meehan]

Ryle Nugent's most famous line that is ingrained in all Irish people. "Maybe the opportunity is there, and it is... Tommy Bbboooowwwwwweee!"

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Lol yeah even I know that one!

[@username9175]

Also. "Drop at goal, grand slam at stake! He's got it!"

[@guyralston9]

Tony Johnstone has been great for a long time now, has great knowledge and passion for the game. Seems really into whatever game he calls 👌🏼💯 Bill mclaren and Jaime salmons commentary on jonah lomu rugby will be forever etched into my brain "he's digging like a demented mole there!" "Rolling up the field like a sherman tank" "huge garryowen!"

[@teem2395]

TJ sucks when he commentates Crusaders or Tasman. Way too one eyed.

[@cobusbrits2]

As a Saffa I like Tony a lot, most of us did as he had written for Supersport for a while he was most gracious when we got beaten bad by the ABs and quite calm in the face of a lot of vitriol from the comments section. He was so part of the Superugby scene that it was never the same without him.

[@puppysoda7062]

Tony Johnstone is way to biased it’s almost embarrassing 😳

[@Samizouza]

My personal faves: Grant Nisbett, Keith Quinn, and Tony Johnstone (NZL) Sean Maloney, Gordon Bray, and to a lesser extent Greg Clarke (AUS) Bill Mclaren and Eddie Butler (UK) Hugh Bladen and Mathew Pearce (RSA) The English and Irish commentators I don't mind either since they're not too bad.

[@samaudas2246]

I'm a big jeff Wilson fan personally

[@NathanMcClintock]

Agreed. As a lead or a pundit. Top shelf.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Just revisiting this video in the wake of the Ireland series. Being Irish I wasn't that familiar with kiwi commentators. But I must say I think they are absolutely brilliant. So fair and enthusiastic for the game. They even seemed excited when Ireland played well and gave due credit. I particularly liked Justin Marshall and the guy he co comments with. I am not so sure about the guys on The Breakdown program which I watched on KZbin during the series.

[@lawriestewart1366]

Does anyone remember South African, the late Charles Fortune. Brilliant cricket commentator but can't quite remember if he commentated on rugby

[@dawidmaree5002]

Great Video - enjoy the names you mentioned - brings back good memories.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jlight1965]

Bill McLaren the all time best. Had the privilege of being at Twickenham when he was given his send off, incredible. Jonny Wlikinson is a fantastic pundit as is Ian McGeechan. Greig Laidlaw in the studio is also outstanding. Butler and Moore do form an interesting double act in the commentary box. As far as great players who don't come up to scratch Jonathan Davies is truly awful, Sam Warburtun is as bad but the worst to ever feature as a pundit, by a country mile, is Gavin Hastings

[@dustysa2000]

Martin Gillingham from England not good, one eyed and blinkered.

[@cam_set]

And I'll never forgive Ian Smith for calling Thierry Dusautoir Thierry Henry. The guy'd just played his heart out and lost a RWC by 1 point, then to kick him while he was down, Smithy mistook him for a footballer. That will always stand out to me whenever Ian Smith comes up.

[@jordanclark8508]

Surely he must of taken at least 1 cricket ball to the head during his career as a wicket keeper. lol

[@ay613]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Rukhage]

In Argentina the voice of rugby commentating is Alejandro Coccia and he's been commenting for almost thirty years now! His catchphrase is "Adentro!" which literally means inside, but in context he uses it for when conversions happen. He obviously gets absolutely excited during Argentina games, but he is lively no matter the game. Since a lot of Argentine sporting culture revolves around football/soccer, that classic Latin American commentator flair, like yelling Gooool for an inordinate amount of time, translates into rugby by having Coccia start shouting: "Try! Try! Try! Es try!". Look up Corletto's try against the French in the opening game of RWC 2007 and you'll get what I mean. Either that or his commentary during the victory against the ABs or the quarterfinal against Ireland in 2015. Also I 100% agree, McLaren is the standard by which all other commentators need to be measured against.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Right maybe that's why Argentinian's don't like Hugh Bladen's calm/cool (dull) style - he is often the one sent over to commentate SA teams v the Jaguares

[@Rukhage]

@@TwoCentsRugby hahaha yeah most comments from my fellow Argentines whom watch clips with Bladen's commentary tend to be about him sounding like an ancient mummy or he's the human equivalent of watching paint dry. Forgot to add that they usually pair Coccia with former Pumas winger Diego Albanese, whom provides the color commentary with a smattering of game analysis. It's also hilarious to listen to him go full fan whenever the Pumas manage anything amazing. Try and find the video here on youtube of Amorosino's try against Scotland and you'll see what I mean.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

@@Rukhage I will have a look bro, thanks for the tip 😁

[@chrisbartram6644]

David Flatman here in the UK for commentary. And Sam Warburton for analysis 👍

[@ay613]

My top 5 I've heard in my time. Hugh bladen (in his prime, he does still commentate Currie cup) Gordon Bray Mark Robson Grant Nisbet Welsh lad from the BBC.

[@peteryoungpeteryoung965]

Never heard of them sorry.

[@ay613]

@@peteryoungpeteryoung965 Over half of them are from the southern hemisphere 🤔😂.

[@joedennehy386]

Bill McLaren was for me the doyen, commenting on an all black ruck, where the ball came out perfectly. " and theres the ball, like a chocolate bar out of a slot machine". Special mention for Mex

[@normanstewart7130]

No-one will replace Bill McLaren.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I love Andrew Cotter and his dogs..Olive and Mabel

[@rugbywatchesgaming4048]

Andrew Cotter is such an all round Great commentator his knowledge in a variety of sports is really impressive!

[@welshcaesar]

Cotter is class.

[@wot4922]

Agree with you on Owen Nkumane. Doesn't pronounce names correctly. However, we pronounce his name correctly just like you do✌🇿🇦

[@attilathehunny486]

My dad loved it when someone put in a big hit and Bill McLaren would say “ooogh.. that sent him straight to the Edinbuurrrgh Royal infirmary”. He was the best thing about Scottish rugby for many years. Hugh Bladen, in SA, is regarded as the voice of South African rugby but his age is beginning to show and understandably, he just doesn’t keep up with the game the same way. My wife hates Joel Stransky’s nasal delivery by the way. When she hears him on the telly, she says it sounds like a privileged Jo’burg housewife. Eddie Butler and Jonathan Davies are a really good commentary combo during the 6 Nations, even though JD is a know-it-all. Clive Woodward is a weird one. I just can’t imagine him giving a halftime team talk that inspires a team to greatness. He was lucky he got England’s golden generation to manage and that he got on well with Jonny Wilkinson.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man McLaren has some proper classics. I never knew about the nasal thing but you're no the only one to mention it! I'm sure I'll be hearing it next time I listen to him

[@mpumelelobeyers957]

In South Africas they can only be 2 Mount Rushmore announcers; *Hugh Bladen* (rugby) *Currie Cup* /2007 RWC FINAL💯🇿🇦 *Baba Mthetwa* (soccer) soweto derby /Mandela invitational *Kaizer Chiefs vs Manchester United* 2007& 2009 💯🇿🇦

[@Brucemcleod2345]

Love Justin Marshall commentaries- he’s probably the best Kiwi

[@andrewp1075]

Always been impressed with Justin Marshall's commentary. He knows the game inside out and even calls plays ahead of time.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man that's what I've liked about him as well

[@kennymndawe53]

For me the top 3 commentators are 1 Xhosa (South African) 2 French 3 New Zealand Those are the ones that make the game more fun to watch for me.... PS I don't know most of the Commentators by name

[@ivandeetlefs]

Mate, I have to agree about John Kirwan. I get super irritated with him talking over the others on The Breakdown and yes, arrogance is a good descriptor.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Glad it's not just me mate

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Gordon Bray for me. Voice of Australian rugby! Tim 'Petaia' Horan insults the audience by stating the absolute obvious. Phil 'Tahs and nothing else' Kearns and Grant 'ooooh Barrett!' Nesbitt both stupidly one eyed and biased. Justin Marshall: only kiwi to call put other kiwi players for deliberate infringements and a fair judgement of the game!

[@nowttodowithme]

In the NH Sam Warburton and Benjamin Kayser have been really good for the last 12 months. Really good analysis and are in touch with the modern game. Vast improvement on the pundits we've had for years (Guscott, Jonathan Davies etc)

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah mate I do feel like some of the pundits lose touch as the game evolves

[@rhianc7347]

Totally agree, Benjamin Kayser is fantastic

[@jamesangus8504]

Justin Marshall one of the best commentators, in my view. It is his lack of bias and willingness to recognize great play from any player of any team that is so attractive and valuable.

[@bruceleetaiwan]

Love Justin Marshall, very unbiased and calls the game well. Remember Bismarck tackling Dan Carter and Justin Marshall being an ex NZ player, calling the yellow card ridiculous for the tackle.

[@rhysduncan8676]

He can get pretty one-eyed when the crusaders are playing, but other than that he's ok - he can harp on about incorrect calls for a bit too long though

[@joatmofa0405]

*S P I E K E R I E S !!!* a.k.a. Gerhard Viviers - there has never been an equal (in South Africa).

[@chrisboon3939]

Worst commentators were/are Justin Harrison, Phil Kearns and one of the girl commentators for Australia. NZ have good commentators that bring something different and are inclusive of other nations due to their Polynesian backgrounds.

[@drh4376]

Love Sean Malony! Makes the games exciting and informative. BTW he did play for the Wallabies. All the other Aussie commentators here the fans either hate or don't bring any value

[@theonedave6760]

You are bang on with Austin Healey and Clive Woodward. Both onesided for England and appear to watch different match to me. I think Justin Marshall is brilliant.

[@johndcoffee632]

Woodward is insufferable

[@rhymeocerous]

Nigel Starmer Smith was a class act and is well desering of a mention. His love for the game shone through in his commentary.

[@powerbite92]

He aged like a fine wine. Just got better and better as time went on. Much loved and respected across the British Isles.

[@hynjus001]

Hugh Bladen is pure nostalgia. If you grew up in SA during the 90s or early 2000s, his voice was the sound of rugby.

[@SuperEdge67]

Most biased rugby commentator…………..Phil Kearns. Daylight second. Justin Marshall most unbiased.

[@jamesiopu8624]

Allana Fergusson in Australia’s Stan commentary is absolutely useless. She’s from league but the biggest pretender to be on TV. Every time she talks, I push the mute button. USELESS

[@michaelcurtin2791]

You must listen to Michael Corcoran of RTE (Irish TV broadcaster). I remember his commentary of Munster v Northampton Saints from about 9 years ago (e.g. 40000 phases!!!). You'll never hear more passionate commentary in a game than you will hear at the end of this match (O'Gara drop goal after 40 phases). Listen ans see what you think.

[@MrRugbylane]

Ahhh yes. Good memories. Ever since then, RTE live commentary (with the exception of the Horse Racing) has been shocking. Just a small club of connected South Dubliners.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

I just listened to a few clips - now I see why they call him the cookie monster 🤣

[@JohnE-55]

As a Saffa, I quite like Justin Marshall. The one who gets me the most is Jonathan Davies from Wales, he is one-eyed with tunnel vision!!

[@cavangibbs3653]

As a Welshman I always find Martin bayfield does a great job pitchside

[@jordanclark8508]

Keith Quinn was the GOAT in my opinion gave incite into alot of players on a personal level about there lives outside of rugby and his pronounciation of Maori and PI names was tino pai too. Worst has to be Phil Kearns when you tell a fellow Aussie ref to put his whistle in his pocket after awarding a obvious red card to a Wallabies player It's time to call it quits MATEY. lmao

[@bigwill4978]

100%

[@malcolm9650]

Bill Mclaren is the goat.

[@bigwill4978]

@@malcolm9650 I don't really remember hearing him commentating. It was always Keith Quinn.

[@malcolm9650]

@@bigwill4978 sound as mate, check out his best bits on youtube if you want to hear some brilliance. I am 45 and grew up listening to him. Happy New Year pal, stay safe.👍

[@bigwill4978]

@@malcolm9650 I'll check him out.

[@Germanybeatspolandpal]

Sonny bill is a commentator on Stan same as Andrew mehrtens

[@wot4922]

Mark.... your accent definitely sounds more SA than NZ. You sound nothing like Kiwi Lads, Black Jersey and so on. Probably comes from listening to so many accents like my son who sounds American. He's had that accent since he could speak.

[@francoisdevries1]

How much of Jean de Villiers stuff have you watched? He has an incredibly dry sense of humour. Very funny guy on all the shows he does.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

I like him on Use it Or Lose it! Hilarious!

[@cawoodpublishing]

Growing up in SA (and overseas) as a Bok fan I actually like Justin Marshall. Across the Tasman there...whole another story :)

[@rkaylor5769]

I subbed this channel yesterday. Love the ABs and the Boks… 🇺🇸🇳🇿🇿🇦

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Welcome aboard!

[@gregbooth1551]

Bill McLaren, Nisbo, Tony Jonson, Justin Marshall - Love them all. I find JM's analysis excellent, and any bias he displays from time to time is by far outweighed by his tendency to focus on the positives from the opposition team. Very refreshing. Bit harsh on Smithy, I think he adds value to both Cricket and Rugby commentaries. Love your work mate!

[@gwynevans6440]

Mashall is great, informative entertaining and usually very fair minded. I really like the old South African guy who used to be their main commentator (don't know his name) Stransky is good too.

[@jonathanstewart8106]

Hugh Bladen

[@gwynevans6440]

@@jonathanstewart8106 Cheers Jonathan, I thought it was but just watched a clip and it's definitely who I was thinking of.

[@rkkeogh988]

Ryan Nugent was so good when he used to commentate on RTE with the 6 Nations before he went to EIR sports. He brings back so many childhood memories "TOMMY BOWE" I think Alan Quinlan is actually really good hees always interesting to listen to and usually has good points.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man I like listening to Quinlan on Off the Ball, even if he does overuse the word "phenomenal"

[@westbourne94]

Absolutely love Shaun Maloney! He is definitely my favourite southern hemisphere pundit, he seems to make the game seem so much more enjoyable and entertaining when he's commentating. Thought I'd throw Johnny Wilkinson out there as one of the most philosophical, articulate, and poetic pundits in the game. I understand how a few English pundits can come across as arrogant, but Wilkinson's love and emotion for the game is so infectious, it makes me love the game (and him) even more!

[@petecrossman290]

Can’t be the same Sean Maloney I’m thinking about mate. Guy sounds like a bad MC at pub trivia

[@powerbite92]

@@petecrossman290 Maloney is the worst commentator I have ever heard. Doesn't deserve to have a job..

[@welshcaesar]

Spot on Mate about Healey and Woodward. Eddie Butler with Brian Moore are great. 🏉

[@Rckman76]

I'm a big fan of Ryle Nugent, the Irish guy. A real homer and I'm not always sure what language channel I'm on, but great enthusiasm and knows the game.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah he is a bit more one eyed than he should be (he's not the only one!) - but he does great work and at least since I've been watching the Champions Cup is the "the voice" of Irish rugby

[@dairet1945]

In terms of best commentators the South African Hugh Bladen deserves a mention. Dont think he is appreciated enough outside of SA but I think he is fantastic.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man he's class

[@TheBarbellians]

*sees Justin Marshall in the thumbnail* ooOOOooHHoooOOhhhHOOOO here we go bois

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Lol may not be the result you expect 😅

[@bigwill4978]

@@TwoCentsRugby boomfa!!

[@TheBarbellians]

@@TwoCentsRugby Don't worry, I don't mind the old boomfa either, him and Nisbo are just an iconic combo at this point

[@katana723]

@@TheBarbellians nisbo is the straight man's and old school commentstor and Marshy is the "personality" and adds great player and technical insight

[@milocooper9540]

Miles Harrison and Stuart Barnes are the absolute worst for me. Stuart Barnes being the worst since he thinks he is a Rugby encyclopaedia and is absolutely right about everything.

[@williamcarter3933]

I'm Welsh and Jonathan Davies winds me up!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Lolol I won't argue the point there mate

[@joshf5826]

For me if Eddie Butler is on the coms I'll watch the match even if I'm not invested in the teams Clive Woodward though can do one, it's not 2003 anymore. Actually in the uk anything on itv is never to good. Eg in the world cup they had an Italy game with no Italians and literally spike about the England game which was one four hours later for the whole pre game and half time analysis

[@welshcaesar]

Totally agree. Love Butler. But Woodward and Wilkinson fo my head in.

[@davidoconnor8224]

I rate the English commentators in general but Clive W. does get me grinding my teeth .

[@michaeltuahine1]

In the NRL in Australia, the main commentator is known as the ‘Caller’ who ‘Calls’ the match (Ray Warren aka ‘Rabs’) and the others around him in the booth like Phil Gould, Peter Sterling etc are ‘Commentators’.

[@AdrianKerr]

you have a play by play guy the other is your colour guy.

[@kevincao8144]

I just need Justin Marshall just by himself over-caffeinated commentating Tonga vs Samoa

[@oscarfoxtrot2518]

What an excellent idea for a video: really nice one. I'm glad I'm not the only person who avoid listening to the Aussie Fox Sports commentary cartel. And speaking of "colour", does anyone remember the disasterous show put on in Oz by Chris "Buddha" Handy during the 2003 RWC? It was puzzling when it was on and then it mysteriously dissappeared without a trace.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Goodness I can't remember that one mate!

[@ahjoostdedahbehigpu6749]

Gordon Bray and Murray Mexted is my dream team. If NZ hadn’t had the 03 RWC taken off them we might have had Gordon, Murray and Bruce Mcavaney in the box for a Georgia v Samoa game. That would have been brilliant. All non-Strayans need to look up the best of Bruce Mcavaney and become enlightened. His passion for the contest is off the charts.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah I'm not sure why Mexted fell out of favour in NZ

[@SkinnyBruRugby]

I tend to like pundits that are former coaches. Mallet, Swys du Bruyn and alikes add a lot in rugby analytics. I rank commentator that try and pronounce names correctly and have a few jokes inbetween.

[@bigwill4978]

Oh yeah, I love Mallet! 👏👏

[@SkinnyBruRugby]

@@bigwill4978 💪💪

[@wynandmalan5855]

I used to enjoy Mallet much more in his early days, when he was still close to the game. Inside info and everything. Can easily see Schalk Burger doing something similar in the next couple of years.

[@SkinnyBruRugby]

@@wynandmalan5855 Schalk Burger has been brilliant! I also see that happening.