Want a fun game that’s assured to get you black out? Watch the Paramount+ broadcast of the USA v England game and drink every time the commentators say:
- The ref’s last name
- ”The beautiful game of rugby”
- “Debutant”
- “Once again, the ref clearly communicating what he wants from the players”
Not sure if it’s available outside the US but holy shit it was some of the most atrocious commentating I’ve ever heard. Literally just the above things in a loop, ad nauseam. As it is, I already watch most sports broadcasts here in the US with the volume down because the commentators add nothing meaningful but I was hoping it would be better with a less popular sport.
Whatever, we scored a try
I assumed that because nobody understands the rules the comms do their best to help across the pond viewers. Are all sports this bad in America?
Oh I wouldn’t have had a problem with them explaining rules, that would be totally understandable, but I really only heard them explain 50-22, try grounding, and no blockers in rugby. They didn’t even explain what a knock-on is, or how a ruck works, which I feel like are some of the most vital parts of the game.
Instead, they just kept trying to hype up the game as it was happening, which US commentators do for all sports. It’s way more about selling the game to you so you stay tuned in (ad revenue), rather than commentating on it, no matter how large the differential.