Here is the opposition to TV3’s line-up
We, like you, have yet to fully process the end of that Six Nations championship. From the worry Wales caused to the stress of Ireland’s actual game to the unmitigated madness that was England/France it was a day for the ages.
However, it was hard not to glimpse just over the horizon, ponder the upcoming World Cup and think ‘could we?’ That optimism may be tempered as the excitement dies down – probably no bad thing for the team’s prospects – but the build up for the tournament has begun in earnest now.
Last night ITV announced their team for their coverage of the tournament and if you want to see what Brian O’Driscoll thinks about Ireland during the tournament, then you’ll have to watch the British channel.
BOD as piundit is the most eye-catching name from an Irish point of view but the British rights holders have unveiled a line-up loaded with the heroes of England’s 2003 win.
Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Jason Robinson are all studio pundits, while Clive Woodward, coach of the team, is also on board.
For an Aussie perspective, the man who captained the Wallabies in that final defeat to England, George Gregan, is also on their team, as is Gareth Thomas, Ian McGeechan, Francois Pienaar, Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Lynagh and David Flatman.
Hosted by John Inverdale (who will be hoping for no gaffes like this X-rated one at Cheltenham) it is a solid team.
TV3’s team is pretty strong too so it looks like we will be spoiled for choice come September’s big jamboree.
