Sky names its four-strong broadcaster/host team to travel to France - with one big omission; Stuff staff’s gong concerns and internal messages; RNZ’s ethical dilemma over Kiri Allan speech; Today FM staff call in lawyers
All Black great Justin Marshall – famous for his “Boomfa!” catchcry – has missed selection for Sky TV’s on-the-ground Rugby World Cup commentary team in France.
The 81-test veteran is understood to be unhappy about the broadcaster’s decision. The Cup is a pinnacle career moment for any rugby media professional and unless he can find other means of getting there, the decision means Marshall also misses out on potential sponsorship and event work at the event.
The broadcaster has announced internally and to Media Insider that four commentators/hosts will travel to France for the tournament in September and October – Grant Nisbett, Mils Muliaina, Jeff Wilson and Kirstie Stanway.
“[Marshall] has not taken the decision at all well,” says one source close to Sky.
As well as his role as “second commentator” to a key caller – such as Nisbett – Marshall is a sought-after personality and speaker for the likes of dinners and lunches, especially during major events. This work likely forms an important component of his annual income.
At the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan - when Spark Sport had the TV rights - Marshall was an ambassador for both Land Rover and Heineken. He appeared in a Heineken TV ad, alongside fellow greats George Gregan and Martin Johnson, in the lead-up to the tournament.
Sky TV’s Chris Major confirmed the “superb” Sky team to cover the seven weeks of the Cup, “noting, of course, that we have many more people who will be working on it back home in NZ”.
“The four of them make up an excellent and highly versatile team, and they will be working very hard for us across the tournament,” says Major.
“I don’t have any comment to make on any individuals who are not in the team, other than to say that we have a number of superb commentators on our Sky team (along with world-class first-voice callers), but not everyone can go on these trips. It’s always a difficult decision, but we’re really pleased with the team who are going and are looking forward to their contribution.”
She said Sky did not mind its team doing extra work when they were away on trips, “as long as it doesn’t impact on what they’re doing for us. In most cases, it enhances their profile and is good for both of us.”
Major said Sky was delighted to have the Cup rights back. “We’re expecting fan interest to be huge, with data telling us that half of all Kiwis are interested in watching it.” The All Blacks play hosts France in the opening Cup game, with kick-off at 7am (NZT) on Saturday, September 9.
Marshall - who has yet to reply to Media Insider messages - has always been a colourful personality, on and off the field.
He was involved in a verbal spat with All Black Akira Ioane outside a Wellington bar following the All Blacks’ 32-22 loss to Ireland in July last year. Video footage showed All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke standing in the way of Marshall in a possible attempt to de-escalate the situation, while a number of other All Blacks were in the way of Ioane.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster said later that the pair had buried the hatchet and Major said at the time “we’re obviously aware that Justin and Akira exchanged words”. Marshall went on to commentate two All Black tests in South Africa.
In 2014, in his early days as a Sky commentator, Marshall told the Herald’s Wynne Gray that at first he felt awkward commenting on old rivals, teammates or his coaches. However, he said, he tried to speak to as many of them as possible to discuss trends, laws and styles.
“I am still an apprentice at Sky, still learning and I seek feedback from everywhere including the public, who were only too willing to give me advice when I was a player, and I work hard at it all the time.
“I formulate opinions and try to make it constructive whether it is criticism or not. It is not the Bible, it is an opinion. People who take it as fact and call me an idiot and much worse, they miss the point. I make comments and open up avenues for others to voice their thoughts on your views.”
