November 9, 2024 • 13 mins
Famed rugby commentator Grant Nisbett called his 350th All Blacks test over the weekend during the team's clash with Ireland in Dublin.
The 73-year-old has been well regarded as the voice of New Zealand rugby - and he's been there for lots of big moments.
He joined Piney to discuss his career highlights.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from newstalk zed B.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Was a milestone match yesterday for one of our best
loved rugby commentators.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Right at center fields, Keller Randall Poza, here we go.
Can you make it?
Speaker 1 (00:27):
You tech? Your fiction turns.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Yeah, the unmistakable voice of Grant nisbet as the All
Blacks beat Ireland in Dublin yesterday morning. Grantsbert was behind
the mic for his three hundred and fiftieth Test match.
When you consider yesterday was the six hundred and forty
ninth All Blacks Test all up, and he's called three
hundred and fifty of them, so well over half the
(00:54):
feat is even more remarkable. Grant Newsbert is with us
now on Weekend Sport. Congratulations on number three fifteen is bo.
Can you remember much about Test number one?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Good a Jason look, not a lot. It's very hazy.
Funnily enough, I probably remember Tests two, three and four
with greater clarity because that was a trip to Australia.
The first Test was in cross To. It's against France.
Other than the score, I can't remember anything else, but
I do remember going on the tour to Australia. It
was Australia under Alan Jones for the first time, and
(01:28):
we actually lost the series, so it was it wasn't
one of the great starts for my career.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
An auspicious start. Do you remember feeling nervous in your
early days as a commentator.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Yeah, Look, I think I probably was because I'd been
in radio up to that point for you know, around
about thirteen or fourteen years, and so the transition to television,
as you know is, you know, it's considerable. I think
it's more about what you don't say as opposed to
what you do say. And so I'm sort of thinking
(02:04):
back and i'd imagine and I would have been quite
nervous about it.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Was there anybody early on in your television career who
was particularly helpful to you and making the transition and
developing your craft as a television commentator.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Yeah, Look, undoubtedly Keith Quinn, because I sort of took
over from him. He was pushed into administration in a
way rather reluctantly, I might say, and so that's why
I actually started at TV and Z. But he was
always helpful and always has been to this very day,
to be perfectly honest, because he was one of the
(02:40):
pioneers of doing rugby television in the very early days,
and he was outstanding really and helped me along the
way for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
So here we are now, three hundred and fifty test matches.
Why do you think you've had such incredible longevity?
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Oh? Look, I don't know. To be honest, I don't
seem to attract a lot of criticism Jason Night. I
know people have got opinions on comments, people and all
the rest of it. But somehow I've managed, somehow to
fly under the radar with it. I don't know, And
I guess it's a bit of a triumph for longevity,
isn't it. Really. If you stick around long enough and
(03:23):
people like you enough, then I guess these milestones are
just going to turn up along the way. And you know,
having been doing the job now for forty years, that
sounds even silly to say forty years. You know these
milestones arrive at some point.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Well, I guess so.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
I guess.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
So you're probably downplaying it just to touch. But has
the way that you prepare for test matches changed much.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
Over the years, No, not really, No, I still over prepare.
I have far too much stuff with me, and when
I look back at it, I think I never used that.
I never used that. I never used that. But there
are some important things that, you know, little milestones that
might pop up on the game, but they don't, so
they get to use them. I write down every name
of the player, and I'm sure you do this with
(04:08):
your football commentary, write down all the names and little
notes against each player, and much of which you never used.
I once had a chat with a great Bill McLaren
he was out here and got the opportunity to meet him,
which was a real pleasure, and asked him about preparation actually,
and he said, look, I just over prepare. He said.
If I used five or maybe ten percent of what
(04:31):
I write down, I'd be very surprised, he said. But
it's just it's just kind of an insurance policy. It's
there if you need it. And also I find when
I'm writing things down that I retain it if I
write it down on paper, I do retain it just
for the duration of the match. Any So, yeah, look
I do I do as I say, I'd probably over prepare.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Yeah, I think that's fairly common among other commentators I've
spoken to as well. Do you have any test matches
that particularly stand out in his bow.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Yeah, look, there's been a few. Initially, one that really
stood out was the Baby Blacks when over France, and
there was quite a backstory to that. Of course, the
All Blacks we denied the trip to South Africa and
then some of them went on a Cavaliers tour and
when the French team came here, the Baby Blacks they
were called, were chosen from players who had decided not
(05:24):
to go to South Africa, so they were very inexperienced
and they had this triumphavor France in christ Church. A
couple of others that sprang to mind the seventy six
Tour of South Africa, sorry, the ninety six Tour of
South Africa, when the All Blacks had an opportunity to
win the series for the first time ever. They'd been
going to South Africa for a long long time and
(05:46):
had always been denied the opportunity to win the series,
but it came in ninety six and happened in Pretoria.
That was a memorable game for many many reasons. Two
thousand and Sydney, when Jonas scored at the end, and
of course the World Cups hard to Deny those two
eleven here in Auckland and two fifteen Twickenham in London,
(06:09):
which I think is probably the best game I've seen
because of the implications world Cup final and also an
open game. Often World Cup finals are not that open.
They quite boring at times, and that particular one in
two fifteen is quite outstanding.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
You've had the chance to travel around the world to
watch the All Blacks play and other teams as well.
Do you have any favorite test venues.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Overseas? Yeah, Look, I think the one I most enjoy
going to is the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which of
course was done up for the World Cup in I
think ninety one. Prior to that, it was the Cardiff
Arms Park, marvelous old ground right in the middle of
the city. You couldn't get any more in the middle
(06:53):
of the city in Cardiff, and of course it's got
the retractable roof as well, so it's got everything going
for it as the Millennium Stadium, and dear old Twickenham,
which they've upgraded a fear bit over the years outstanding
as well. It's a hard place to take a loss
at and I've been there three times when it's happened,
but nevertheless it remains a great ground and funnily enough,
(07:17):
and this sort appealed to you, Jason, I'm sure San
Sero and Milan is unbelievable. The All Blacks played there,
and of course it's the home ground for Inter and
also the other Milan team, AC and we had the
opportunity on the Friday to go down and have a
look at the dressing rooms for the respective teams and
(07:38):
oh boy, oh boy, you've never seen anything like it.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Yeah, amazing stuff. You've always said. I've heard you say
this often that Christian Cullen is your favorite All Black.
Does that still stand?
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Yeah, look it does, it does, and probably always well.
To be honest, I know that I've been around when
there's been some absolute legends of the game, and you
can't go past the likes of Michael Jones, Richie McCaw
Dan Carter and so it goes on. But for me,
Christian Callen had it all. He just hand that ability
(08:11):
to pop up when he got the ball in hand.
He was almost unstoppable. A link player, didn't have to sidestep.
He somehow glided round people. And he was also a
great defender and he played in an excellent era, didn't
you when you think of the blokes who he was
surrounded by, the umangers and the law moves and these
sort of blokes. But to me an absolute standout.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Indeed, are you used to be able to watch a
game of rugby that you're not commentating, just for the
pleasure of watching a game of rugby?
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Yes? I think, Yes, I am. I'm a bit of
a fanboy to be honest. I mean, I haven't seen
it yet, but when I finally do get the opportunity,
I'll certainly tune in and have a look at that
what must have been a hell of a game at
twicken Them overnight between Australia and England. You know, I
don't want to just see the highlights. I want to
(09:02):
see the whole damn game. And I've recorded it and
I'll have a look. So yes, I mean, some games
are better than others. You might get some provincial games
and you think, but you know, you take the good
with the bad, and it's the same in any sport really.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Indeed, And do you believe you can you can still
be an All Blacks fan while working in the rugby
broadcast industry.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Yeah, it's a hell of a good question. I am
an a Black fan, there's no doubt about it. But
you have to disassociate yourself at WEBERD because your job
is effectively to make sure that the mail gets through,
that it's a good broadcast. That's my major concern. People
often say to me these days, do you get nervous?
And I say no, I don't get nervous. I get
(09:47):
a bit anxious about the broadcast being okay, you know,
and it's a team game. And I liken it to
a team game because you know, it's not just it's
not just the front people or the commentators that make
it that way. You've got to have producers, directors, cameramen,
sound people, EVS, which is the replays and things. All
(10:07):
of these things have to come together. So I hope
I don't sound like a fanboy, but I generally sit
in the commentary books when the All Blacks are playing, hoping,
like hell they win. But if they don't win, then
I kind of have to reflect the disappointment as well.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Absolutely right, So what do you reckon? The final number
might be three point fifty and counting. What do you
reckon the final number is going to be Oh.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
My goodness, I don't know, I don't know. Put it
this way, I've I've got a contract through to the
end of next year, so that well, presumably I'll add
a few and then we'll take stock. We've got an
age factor here, Jason, I'm not as young as I
used to be.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Well, you'd never tell you, you'd never tell from listening
to this though. Look, I just want to say you've
always been extremely supportive of others in the industry as well,
given guidance and advice to so many people, me included.
So from a personal point of view, I want to
thank you for that and congratulate you on magnificent milestone
in a career which isn't done yet. Well done on
the three fifty. May there be manymore.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
Thanks very much, Jason. And it's been a pleasure to
do it. And that's the thing that you've got to remembers.
It's a real honor to be able to talk about
New Zealand's most iconic sporting brand and get paid to
do it. It's just fantastic.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Yeah, it's certainly the best job in the world. Well,
I haven't found anything better, and I know you haven't either.
There's both good on you, mate, thanks. Indeed, Grantner's but
three hundred and fifty not out yesterday his three hundred
and fiftieth television commentary of the All Blacks, remembering, of
course they had done radio for a long time before that,
so add that to his television commentaries, and man, I
(11:48):
don't think there's anybody who would have been behind a
microphone more often for an All Blacks test than grant
There has been. In fact, I know that there isn't.
Even the great Keith Quinn, who did both radio and television.
I don't think was able to clock up the numbers
that Nisbo had, not that it's a competition. Both absolutely
terrific blokes, and in fact text through here Jason add
(12:10):
Grantners but and Keith Quinn to your list of Kiwi
sports people who should never ever put their hand in
their pocket for a drink again. It can totally add
those two to the list. Hugh says pinning his bows
are professional. That's why he has lasted so long. Hugh
totally encapsulated YEP a pro, a total pro. After three
(12:32):
hundred and fifty games or three hundred and fifty times
doing anything, I think you could forgive somebody for you know,
maybe dialing it in, for just taking it easy, for
not doing the prep that is required. But I've seen
Grantner's but it's prep the notes that he brings along
to test matches. Been lucky enough to be alongside him
(12:54):
in a radio capacity. Look and you look through the
glass at where the TV guys are, and just the
preparation that he has clearly done. And as he said,
then you might use five or ten percent of it,
but it's like the safety blanket. And plus it helps
reinforce in your mind the job that you're there to do,
the information about the teams and all that sort of thing. So, yeah,
(13:16):
three hundred and fifty for Grantners, but a magnificent achievement.
Get the chance to chat to.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news Talks at b weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from newstalk zed B.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Was a milestone match yesterday for one of our best
loved rugby commentators.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Right at center fields, Keller Randall Poza, here we go.
Can you make it?
Speaker 1 (00:27):
You tech? Your fiction turns.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Yeah, the unmistakable voice of Grant nisbet as the All
Blacks beat Ireland in Dublin yesterday morning. Grantsbert was behind
the mic for his three hundred and fiftieth Test match.
When you consider yesterday was the six hundred and forty
ninth All Blacks Test all up, and he's called three
hundred and fifty of them, so well over half the
(00:54):
feat is even more remarkable. Grant Newsbert is with us
now on Weekend Sport. Congratulations on number three fifteen is bo.
Can you remember much about Test number one?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Good a Jason look, not a lot. It's very hazy.
Funnily enough, I probably remember Tests two, three and four
with greater clarity because that was a trip to Australia.
The first Test was in cross To. It's against France.
Other than the score, I can't remember anything else, but
I do remember going on the tour to Australia. It
was Australia under Alan Jones for the first time, and
(01:28):
we actually lost the series, so it was it wasn't
one of the great starts for my career.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
An auspicious start. Do you remember feeling nervous in your
early days as a commentator.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Yeah, Look, I think I probably was because I'd been
in radio up to that point for you know, around
about thirteen or fourteen years, and so the transition to television,
as you know is, you know, it's considerable. I think
it's more about what you don't say as opposed to
what you do say. And so I'm sort of thinking
(02:04):
back and i'd imagine and I would have been quite
nervous about it.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Was there anybody early on in your television career who
was particularly helpful to you and making the transition and
developing your craft as a television commentator.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Yeah, Look, undoubtedly Keith Quinn, because I sort of took
over from him. He was pushed into administration in a
way rather reluctantly, I might say, and so that's why
I actually started at TV and Z. But he was
always helpful and always has been to this very day,
to be perfectly honest, because he was one of the
(02:40):
pioneers of doing rugby television in the very early days,
and he was outstanding really and helped me along the
way for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
So here we are now, three hundred and fifty test matches.
Why do you think you've had such incredible longevity?
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Oh? Look, I don't know. To be honest, I don't
seem to attract a lot of criticism Jason Night. I
know people have got opinions on comments, people and all
the rest of it. But somehow I've managed, somehow to
fly under the radar with it. I don't know, And
I guess it's a bit of a triumph for longevity,
isn't it. Really. If you stick around long enough and
(03:23):
people like you enough, then I guess these milestones are
just going to turn up along the way. And you know,
having been doing the job now for forty years, that
sounds even silly to say forty years. You know these
milestones arrive at some point.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Well, I guess so.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
I guess.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
So you're probably downplaying it just to touch. But has
the way that you prepare for test matches changed much.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
Over the years, No, not really, No, I still over prepare.
I have far too much stuff with me, and when
I look back at it, I think I never used that.
I never used that. I never used that. But there
are some important things that, you know, little milestones that
might pop up on the game, but they don't, so
they get to use them. I write down every name
of the player, and I'm sure you do this with
(04:08):
your football commentary, write down all the names and little
notes against each player, and much of which you never used.
I once had a chat with a great Bill McLaren
he was out here and got the opportunity to meet him,
which was a real pleasure, and asked him about preparation actually,
and he said, look, I just over prepare. He said.
If I used five or maybe ten percent of what
(04:31):
I write down, I'd be very surprised, he said. But
it's just it's just kind of an insurance policy. It's
there if you need it. And also I find when
I'm writing things down that I retain it if I
write it down on paper, I do retain it just
for the duration of the match. Any So, yeah, look
I do I do as I say, I'd probably over prepare.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Yeah, I think that's fairly common among other commentators I've
spoken to as well. Do you have any test matches
that particularly stand out in his bow.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Yeah, look, there's been a few. Initially, one that really
stood out was the Baby Blacks when over France, and
there was quite a backstory to that. Of course, the
All Blacks we denied the trip to South Africa and
then some of them went on a Cavaliers tour and
when the French team came here, the Baby Blacks they
were called, were chosen from players who had decided not
(05:24):
to go to South Africa, so they were very inexperienced
and they had this triumphavor France in christ Church. A
couple of others that sprang to mind the seventy six
Tour of South Africa, sorry, the ninety six Tour of
South Africa, when the All Blacks had an opportunity to
win the series for the first time ever. They'd been
going to South Africa for a long long time and
(05:46):
had always been denied the opportunity to win the series,
but it came in ninety six and happened in Pretoria.
That was a memorable game for many many reasons. Two
thousand and Sydney, when Jonas scored at the end, and
of course the World Cups hard to Deny those two
eleven here in Auckland and two fifteen Twickenham in London,
(06:09):
which I think is probably the best game I've seen
because of the implications world Cup final and also an
open game. Often World Cup finals are not that open.
They quite boring at times, and that particular one in
two fifteen is quite outstanding.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
You've had the chance to travel around the world to
watch the All Blacks play and other teams as well.
Do you have any favorite test venues.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Overseas? Yeah, Look, I think the one I most enjoy
going to is the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which of
course was done up for the World Cup in I
think ninety one. Prior to that, it was the Cardiff
Arms Park, marvelous old ground right in the middle of
the city. You couldn't get any more in the middle
(06:53):
of the city in Cardiff, and of course it's got
the retractable roof as well, so it's got everything going
for it as the Millennium Stadium, and dear old Twickenham,
which they've upgraded a fear bit over the years outstanding
as well. It's a hard place to take a loss
at and I've been there three times when it's happened,
but nevertheless it remains a great ground and funnily enough,
(07:17):
and this sort appealed to you, Jason, I'm sure San
Sero and Milan is unbelievable. The All Blacks played there,
and of course it's the home ground for Inter and
also the other Milan team, AC and we had the
opportunity on the Friday to go down and have a
look at the dressing rooms for the respective teams and
(07:38):
oh boy, oh boy, you've never seen anything like it.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Yeah, amazing stuff. You've always said. I've heard you say
this often that Christian Cullen is your favorite All Black.
Does that still stand?
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Yeah, look it does, it does, and probably always well.
To be honest, I know that I've been around when
there's been some absolute legends of the game, and you
can't go past the likes of Michael Jones, Richie McCaw
Dan Carter and so it goes on. But for me,
Christian Callen had it all. He just hand that ability
(08:11):
to pop up when he got the ball in hand.
He was almost unstoppable. A link player, didn't have to sidestep.
He somehow glided round people. And he was also a
great defender and he played in an excellent era, didn't
you when you think of the blokes who he was
surrounded by, the umangers and the law moves and these
sort of blokes. But to me an absolute standout.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Indeed, are you used to be able to watch a
game of rugby that you're not commentating, just for the
pleasure of watching a game of rugby?
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Yes? I think, Yes, I am. I'm a bit of
a fanboy to be honest. I mean, I haven't seen
it yet, but when I finally do get the opportunity,
I'll certainly tune in and have a look at that
what must have been a hell of a game at
twicken Them overnight between Australia and England. You know, I
don't want to just see the highlights. I want to
(09:02):
see the whole damn game. And I've recorded it and
I'll have a look. So yes, I mean, some games
are better than others. You might get some provincial games
and you think, but you know, you take the good
with the bad, and it's the same in any sport really.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Indeed, And do you believe you can you can still
be an All Blacks fan while working in the rugby
broadcast industry.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Yeah, it's a hell of a good question. I am
an a Black fan, there's no doubt about it. But
you have to disassociate yourself at WEBERD because your job
is effectively to make sure that the mail gets through,
that it's a good broadcast. That's my major concern. People
often say to me these days, do you get nervous?
And I say no, I don't get nervous. I get
(09:47):
a bit anxious about the broadcast being okay, you know,
and it's a team game. And I liken it to
a team game because you know, it's not just it's
not just the front people or the commentators that make
it that way. You've got to have producers, directors, cameramen,
sound people, EVS, which is the replays and things. All
(10:07):
of these things have to come together. So I hope
I don't sound like a fanboy, but I generally sit
in the commentary books when the All Blacks are playing, hoping,
like hell they win. But if they don't win, then
I kind of have to reflect the disappointment as well.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Absolutely right, So what do you reckon? The final number
might be three point fifty and counting. What do you
reckon the final number is going to be Oh.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
My goodness, I don't know, I don't know. Put it
this way, I've I've got a contract through to the
end of next year, so that well, presumably I'll add
a few and then we'll take stock. We've got an
age factor here, Jason, I'm not as young as I
used to be.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Well, you'd never tell you, you'd never tell from listening
to this though. Look, I just want to say you've
always been extremely supportive of others in the industry as well,
given guidance and advice to so many people, me included.
So from a personal point of view, I want to
thank you for that and congratulate you on magnificent milestone
in a career which isn't done yet. Well done on
the three fifty. May there be manymore.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
Thanks very much, Jason. And it's been a pleasure to
do it. And that's the thing that you've got to remembers.
It's a real honor to be able to talk about
New Zealand's most iconic sporting brand and get paid to
do it. It's just fantastic.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Yeah, it's certainly the best job in the world. Well,
I haven't found anything better, and I know you haven't either.
There's both good on you, mate, thanks. Indeed, Grantner's but
three hundred and fifty not out yesterday his three hundred
and fiftieth television commentary of the All Blacks, remembering, of
course they had done radio for a long time before that,
so add that to his television commentaries, and man, I
(11:48):
don't think there's anybody who would have been behind a
microphone more often for an All Blacks test than grant
There has been. In fact, I know that there isn't.
Even the great Keith Quinn, who did both radio and television.
I don't think was able to clock up the numbers
that Nisbo had, not that it's a competition. Both absolutely
terrific blokes, and in fact text through here Jason add
(12:10):
Grantners but and Keith Quinn to your list of Kiwi
sports people who should never ever put their hand in
their pocket for a drink again. It can totally add
those two to the list. Hugh says pinning his bows
are professional. That's why he has lasted so long. Hugh
totally encapsulated YEP a pro, a total pro. After three
(12:32):
hundred and fifty games or three hundred and fifty times
doing anything, I think you could forgive somebody for you know,
maybe dialing it in, for just taking it easy, for
not doing the prep that is required. But I've seen
Grantner's but it's prep the notes that he brings along
to test matches. Been lucky enough to be alongside him
(12:54):
in a radio capacity. Look and you look through the
glass at where the TV guys are, and just the
preparation that he has clearly done. And as he said,
then you might use five or ten percent of it,
but it's like the safety blanket. And plus it helps
reinforce in your mind the job that you're there to do,
the information about the teams and all that sort of thing. So, yeah,
(13:16):
three hundred and fifty for Grantners, but a magnificent achievement.
Get the chance to chat to.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news Talks at b weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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