April 9, 2025 • 43 mins
D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include:
Mark Robinson - New Zealand Rugby CEO - On the passing of Dr John Mayhew
Gary Burchett - Head of Sport Content at Sky Television New Zealand
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Darcy Waldegrave
from News Talk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Evening. Welcome on into sports Talk on Darcy water Grave.
It's Wednesday, ninth of April twenty twenty five, coming up
six after seven, that's which through till eight o'clock.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Tonight.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
We're going to talk about the consumption of rugby and sport.
How happy you are the deal that you're getting from SkyTV,
because we've got the head of sport content for Sky
Television on the program. His name is Gary Burchett. Rugby
is strong against the narl and a league. Where do
(01:14):
they need to pick up that game where they succeeded?
What is their main focus because, of course is on
the back of the news coming out that Super Rugby
is making some ground over in Australia and here in
New Zealand as well. The changes have worked. People are
tuning in, but are they happy with what they've got
(01:34):
or would we complain? Yeah, of course we would all
the time. Can't help ourselves. Sad, sad, sad news today.
John Mayhew passed today. Huge legacy of rugby, rugby, league,
sports medicine in general. We only had them on the
program about three weeks ago talking about interference on the
(01:59):
park by medical professionals. So as a slap, isn't it
when someone you know passes way too early? Way too soon?
So we'll be joined by Newsian Rugby CEO Mark Robinson
shortly to pay due respect to doctor John Mayhew. Before
we do that, though, let's steal a whole lot of
(02:21):
this today and sports today. As I said, doctor John
Maye's passed away. The former All Blacks and Warriors doctor
had an enormous and lengthy contribution into New Zealand sport.
North Harbor chief executive Adrian and Donald remember him fondly.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Dealing with him as a player. His expertise and knowledge
around sports community. Andrews was an exceptional being extremely well
regarded to. His contribution to both rugby and rugby league
can't be underestimated.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Yeah, rest easy, big man. Super Rugby Pacific is kicking
a few goals. Yay, people are returning to the tournament,
said CEO Jack Masley. He spoke of the improvements that
have stimulated new excitement in the game. Well that's what
he told the HOSK.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
We're seeing many hoodos for many years get broken and
huge lot of reversal of results of matches from last year,
not just with the Australian side's more on a specific
for example, the Crusaders are back, so all of that
is feeling some interesting.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Rory McRoy well aware of the interest behind his shot
at joining an elite group of golfers. If he picks
up the green jacket and August early Monday morning, New
zeal On time, he'll become the sick man to pick
up a career Grand Slam after Gene Sarason, being a
Hogan Gary player, Jet Nicholas and Tiger Woods Damn med
(03:42):
some company.
Speaker 6 (03:43):
Look, I understand the narrative and the noise, and you
know there's a lot of anticipation and build up and
coming into this tournament Eachen every year. But I just
have to keep my head down and focus on my job.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
And Arsenal manager Michael Arteta has explained by his team
are riding high after tearing Arounl Madrid a new one
in the first leg Champions League quarter final three zero,
with all the goals coming out of withering seventeen minutes
second half. My feeling was that the team was super
(04:17):
convinced and we had the trust that we could do
it because we've done it for now, big.
Speaker 6 (04:21):
Periods against the best opposition that you can face in
football for two years.
Speaker 7 (04:25):
And if you can do that, you can do it
on the day, of.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Course you can.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
And that's sports Today had nine minutes after seven in
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Officer Mark Robinson to join us.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Now, good evening, Mark, even Darsie.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Super sad day. The passing of doctor John Mayhew always
comes as surprise someone that's had a huge amount to
do with sports, specifically rugby over the years. This is
a sad day, a great loss for the community.
Speaker 8 (04:57):
Yeah, I mean you covered up well, Darcy were obviously
incredibly said to learn of this news earlier today. He
had a massive impact, you know, across the game at
many many levels. You know, he's obviously deeply respected in
the North Harbor region where he's been connected to the
(05:19):
game for a very long time and had an amazing
tenure with New Zealand Rugby and and the All Blacks
where he looked after you know, a whole whole generation
of players and serve the team with sort of massive distinctions.
So yeah, he'll be sadly miss he's gone on, you
know since that time, you know, over fifteen years with
(05:39):
the All Blacks and then onto you know, different sports,
and he's he was back with the Rugby Foundation doing
amazing work in that brain and concussion research space. So
just a huge servant to the game, deeply cared for
and loved, you know, across all levels of the game.
We're going to miss him.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Something ole mess as well, the fact that he was
so intense on the research and too brain problems into
concussion problems. He was very well read, very learned, always
bring the information that you required, and this was something
that he was at like a terrier all the time.
It says how much he values this kind of research
(06:15):
for the game and of course the players, including his
family who played the game as well. He wasn't just
sitting there watching.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (06:24):
I mean, he was a true rugby man, wasn't he
He was. He was someone that he just loved.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
The game and wanted to be involved at all levels.
Speaker 8 (06:32):
I just say he had he very proud dad of
kids playing at a high level. And you know, I
remember he was he was a doctor of the of
the All Blacks when I was in the team, and
he just had a lovely sort of nature about him
in terms of hugely professional and caring of people. Had
(06:53):
a nice sense of humor and great sense of benter
around players, but very professional in his standards and how
he was always searching too for new ways of care
and understanding, keeping up with the pace of the development
of you know that medical space and sports right for
his time with the team. So no, he was just
(07:16):
a special guy. You know that we're lucky in New
Zealand rugby and at many levels that we have people
that give back to the game, and he.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Was one of the best in the space and he
was around for such a long time as part of
the furniture like that was nineteen eighty eight through to
two thousand and four hundred and thirty one test over
two hundred matches. That says a lot about not only
his ability as a doctor, but as he touched on
Mark Robinson, the fact that he's such a lovely bloke
(07:46):
people wanted to be around him, such a wonderful addition
to have to any team.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Someone like that.
Speaker 8 (07:53):
Yeah, he yeah, like I said before, he had just
a nice feel.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
He knew.
Speaker 8 (08:00):
You know, his first obligations obviously as a Dock and
the team was to take care of people and look
after them and have the utmost highest levels of professionalism.
But he also had that ability to step away, have
a laugh, build great friendships, and through that he developed
a huge amount of trust in the environments and was
just someone that was always good to be around and
(08:23):
a great thing right through that time. Even after finished
with the All Blacks to go on and lead some
of the work and be such a strong advocate of
the game and athlete here on the Rugby Foundation. I
know he's huge set there that'll be missed also. So
he was just someone that never never stopped serving and
never stopped giving, Darcy, and as I've said a number
(08:44):
of times, we're going to really miss him.
Speaker 7 (08:45):
Yeah we will.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Indeed, I was blown away to find out that he
began his association with North Harbor nineteen eighty five, the
Union's doctors since its inception, so definitely completely old school
has been around a while, and as you said, he'll
be sorely missed by everybody in the community. Marks for joining.
Speaker 8 (09:07):
Us, Thanks Darcy, thank you.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
The right call is your call on eight eight Sports
Talk All on your home of Sports News Talk.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
As Mark Robinson's CEO vn Z are talking of the
the death of Dr John Mayhew today, the legacy left
on the sport. It was fourteen fifteen years with a Warriors,
the same amount of time with the All Blacks two.
But are always a north Shore kid. I've been interviewing
(09:38):
him as long as I've been stinking this joint out.
Whis been a long time. Always very on point, always
very respectful, but always with a cheek smile behind whatever
he said. Never a problem getting him on the program.
Always wanted to contribute, especially around concussion in that area
(10:01):
which he was so passionate about. Rest easy, John, You'll
be missed. Join us all the time. Three weeks ago
was the last time you're on the show. It just
seems surreal that you're not with us anymore. Such a
staple of He's helling Rugby of New zealing league. Condolences
thoughts out to all of us. Fun not hang in there, eh,
(10:25):
it's his news talks eb coming go next on the
program ahead of a small content for Sky TV. Joins
his names Gary birr Chet. We're talking around the engagement
in sky People are watching Rugby? What else are they watching?
Is it a deal. Is it a luxury? Is it
a bargain?
Speaker 1 (10:44):
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
You can find out when we talk to Gary next,
and then I'll get Jill online after that. Are you happy?
You're okay with it? Okay with the deal? You can
sue me more of it? Does it work for you?
Sixteen after seven we'll find out more from you after Gary,
who joins us next here at NEWSTALKSZB.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
You do need to be dmo. We've got the breakdown
on Sports Talk call oh eight hundred News Talk zi B.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Seventy nineteen Sports Talk on News Talk z B one
hundred eighty ten eighty and six nineteen nine two z
B z B standing Tis judge does apply with that transaction.
It's fall content for Sky Television. Gary Burchett to join
Gary burchet excuse me to join us at shortly. We'll
(11:44):
take your calls up after that. But Marion joins us now.
The thought on Dr John Mayhew Marion.
Speaker 9 (11:52):
Oh, Darcy, I just wanted to add a wonderful child,
Boza said John Wise and Sportsmdersine way back in the
late seventies and eighties, and a wonderful help who was
to North Harbor nitball and He was sort of beyond
before his time, and he always gave his special attention
(12:15):
to whatever he wanted. A great help to coaches and
also have netball were adebted to have as fellas I know,
he was button too rugby and rugby league, but dare
I say he might have started off in netball.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
The things he loved all sport, didn't he when you
talk to him off air on air, it didn't matter
what kind of sport it was. He was such a
fan of what it did for the community, what it
did for the youth, and indeed what it did for
all follows as well. Are getting engaged.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
He was a huge fan of sport absolutely well.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
It's nice to know that he had some influence in
the wide world of netball as well. Marrying, thanks very
much for calling in no worries.
Speaker 4 (12:52):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
It's twenty minutes after seven. We were there on Doctor
John Mayhew again, condolences, respect and adoha going out to
his entire family. We're going to talk TV content almost
immediately here on NEWSTALKSZB.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
Forget the riffs call you make a call Sports Talk
on your home of sports news Talks.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
We're joined now by Gary Burchett, head of Sport content
for Sky Television and New Zealand. Quite the job, Gary,
good evening.
Speaker 7 (13:27):
Good evening, Darcy, and very warming and in to your listeners.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
And thanks very much for joining us. Is a great
time to be head of content for Sky Sport, especially
when you look at what's happening in the rugby union
space right now. Super Rugby has accelerated. Evidentally, have you
seen much of that? How have you consumed this increase
(13:52):
in consumption?
Speaker 7 (13:53):
Well, I think the way that a competition starts is
paramount and you have to give credit to Super Rugby
and sans are for the scheduling. If you take your
casting mind back to round one, you know, starting down
a church with the Crusaders and the Hurricanes. It was
a Sunday afternoon, the Crusaders fans came out, they got
a home victory, and then.
Speaker 10 (14:13):
It was followed up with Blues v.
Speaker 7 (14:14):
Chiefs, and in the second round we had the Chiefs
hosting the Crusaders and the Highlanders and the Blues. So
starting with those local derbies truly speaks to your audience
and I think that set a really strong launch pad
for getting fans into the competition. But the Darci al viewership,
and I was really are reflected by the quality of
(14:35):
the competition on the park and I think few can
argue that we've had an exhilarating start and now we're
midway through the competition and there's just been so many
high points. You know, So when I'm talking to my
commentators and giving them briefings, commentators rely very much on
moments in a match, and so we're seeing a more
aggressive running and attacking style of rugby and I think
(14:58):
that also bleeds into the commentary calls. And that's what
we want as broadcast is we want to bring our
viewers those high points so that we ca and so
we can get them excited.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
What points to look at when you see the rise
and eyeballs that are really important to you are the
particular parameters that are important for what you do.
Speaker 7 (15:20):
Yes, you know, we rely heavily on on reach and engagement.
You know, reach is the total number of people that
will come to an event. That's where we rely on
our impressive marketing promo teams to let people know when
the matches on. That's that's really important. But you know,
as a producer, we also look at engagement, so you know,
people staying with us from from whistle to whistle. That's
(15:42):
a very good indicator of how how pulsating match and
our coverage is. But I always say that, you know,
as broadcasts, sometimes you can do the perfect the perfect
broadcast or the match coverage, but sometimes the athletic display
in the middle hasn't actually come up to standard. So
we really rely on the athletes to put on a
show so that our commentators and our production teams to
(16:02):
complement the action in the middle to create a real
sensory experience for the fans.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
So I'm presuming you're quite closely involved with all of
these productions. So you're a head of sports content. Are
you very much hands on and hands in not only
with the way it's broadcast, but with what you want
from Super Rugby full stop?
Speaker 7 (16:24):
Yes, there's I think the one thing I always remind
my team is that we're entertainers and that people pay
for our product, and so we've got to make it good.
We've got to make it better than anyone else around us.
And I stand by that, and that's something that Sky
holds very dear, that it is premium content worth paying for.
And I work with a lot of athletes that come
in in the expert and the number two chair and
(16:47):
remind them you're not an athlete anymore. Now your job
is actually to go and entertain. So get excited, because
if you're not excited our audience, our audience certainly won't be.
So it's about finding the rhythms and the patterns within
the match. But also, you know, fans aren't silly, so
you can't talk up something that's not there. So it's
about bringing an authenticity and a genuine sort of tone
and flavor.
Speaker 10 (17:07):
To it at work.
Speaker 7 (17:08):
But yeah, to answer your question, I am hands on,
but I've got a very capable team and we produce
world class rugby coverage. We all produce world class football coverage,
So I've got a very set of stable and experienced
hands around me the collaborate to put on what we
think is sport worth paying for.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
How important is it that you produce and provide top
rugby content? Is this in an essence that the pillar
of sky sport to have rugby as a success?
Speaker 10 (17:38):
Yeah it is.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
I mean New Zealand is a rugby nation, but it's
also a netfort nation, a football nation, a rugby league nation,
a motorsport nation.
Speaker 10 (17:46):
I believe you do.
Speaker 7 (17:47):
You like your motorsport, so I don't have any bias
except that we want all our sports to succeed. And
part of my role with my colleague is to make
sure that all our sports have polish and sing and
that we give the athletes justice. And sometimes it's more
than the contest. I think what's important when you're watching
as a viewer to understand the athlete behind the number,
(18:10):
so their journey, their struggle, you know it. Sometimes making
that content relatable to our viewer. We need to find
that connectivity and you know so being emotion emotion and
personalizing the content is something that we take very seriously.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Rugby very important though to draw iballs full stop. It's
our national game and this is something you're going to
hang your coat on. So we're all particularly interested. And
where you are with ns it are with the latest deal,
how long before we find out if you have signed
up together as a team as a unit as one Gary.
Speaker 7 (18:46):
That's a really good question and a good good effort
from you, But I have not privited those conversations. Safe
to say that rugby is incredibly important to our network.
If you look at the keys for subscription and you know,
rugby is very much up there as his NRLs.
Speaker 10 (19:03):
Is as his cricket, as is football.
Speaker 7 (19:05):
And Netbork their New Zealand's They love their rugby, but
they also have you know, a collection of sports that
drive them.
Speaker 10 (19:13):
We're not just a rugby network, but it is very much.
It is a bedrock of our success.
Speaker 7 (19:17):
But I don't I don't have anything further to add
on on.
Speaker 10 (19:22):
Where the negotiations are presently at.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
Gary Bitchik joins us. He is the hit of sports
content for Sky TV. Auckland FC have been a revelation
in their first year. How are those numbers versus another Well,
I'm talking Auckland, a local product in the Blues. Do
they match up? Where's the success out there?
Speaker 7 (19:43):
It's been one of the success stories. It's actually been
one of the most extraordinary sporting runs that I've been
associated and I've been working in sport since two thousand
and four, in radio and in television. And to have
a new entity, to have a startup, to come into
a city like Auckland with a new coach and with
(20:05):
zero experience in the professional playing realm, and to be
top of the table continuously top of the table throughout
the season, to win three derbies against rivals Wellington, to
build a fan base and averaging over fifteen thousand at
GHOS Smart Media Stadium is just nothing short of extraordinary.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
Pet numbers.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Compare though to the likes of the Blues. I'm sure
you must run comparison. And again with the Warriors, we
know what a big draw cub they are, so in
that level. Where do they all sit the Blues Auckland
DFC League because they're all competing here in Auckland City
and of course.
Speaker 7 (20:42):
Across to be taking top Blues are come to be
taking top spot. But the a leg numbers you know,
for this season have been, you know, nothing short of extraordinary.
We're looking at on sky Sport they're up forty one
percent year on year, On Skygo they're up sixty six percent.
And our women's comp also is up you know, thirty
to forty percent. So let's not forget the Welling Wellington
Phoenix women in.
Speaker 10 (21:03):
The w League.
Speaker 7 (21:04):
So you know, there's there's a lot to be excited
about with football. With the All Whites qualifying for their
third World Cup final next year, I think it just
goes to show the widespread support and enthusiasm for the
round ball.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
How big isligu the NRL outside of the Warriors, because
the Warriors.
Speaker 7 (21:22):
Is the go too.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
That's why you've paid for the privilege of covering the NRL, well,
at least providing coverage of the NRL.
Speaker 10 (21:31):
Does it look Without.
Speaker 7 (21:33):
Going into specifics, the you know the the opening match
in Las Vegas produced extraordinary numbers for our network. That
was in tandem with a very coordinated marketing and promotional
campaign from from my colleagues. It's they are. They are highly,
hugely successful you know sporting entity here, if I'm not mistaken,
(21:55):
the only NRL club that sold every home game, every ticket,
every home game. So they create in the same way
with Auckland f C. They create a true fanic experience
on match day, even if the result doesn't necessarily go
your way, you know you've walked away being part of
something special. So it's a lot and there's a lot
to be said for entertaining the fan on and off
(22:16):
the park.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
Garey, it's interesting time for everybody. The cost of living
has gone up. I don't think any of us are
making any more money. It's tight. Sky arguably is a luxury.
I think the Skysport package went up another five bucks
of recent times. How do people justify spending that money
(22:37):
that luxury? What can you do to promote that? Because
I'm presuming your numbers are going up as far as
people subscribing, I can.
Speaker 7 (22:46):
Tell you that our viewership numbers are certainly going up.
All our sports are up. Engagement across all platforms for
this time last year is up ten percent, so we're
obviously doing something right. I think we're giving people value
for money. I've been lucky enough to work, you know,
in various places the UK. I've worked in Hong Kong,
I've worked in India, and pounds for pound, I don't
(23:08):
think that in springs. Fans around the world do not
get as much value as they do striving the sport
on Sky. You think about it, You've got ten dedicated
Sky Sport channels, have two ESPN channels, and if you
like your racing, your two track side channels, so there's
fourteen channels to choose from.
Speaker 10 (23:24):
I mean, that is a lot of sport.
Speaker 7 (23:26):
So we think we're tremendous value for money, and that
has to be reflected in the quality of the coverage
and the level of coverage that we deliver.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
At a local level, garry and covering sport that maybe
hasn't got the profile the sports would like. How expensive
is it for you to put games on and provide
that coverage Because being in this role, I hear from
people some of the local production values that maybe sells
NBL level aren't ideal. Is this something you'd like to
(23:57):
be better? Act I suppose or have more money to
spend on to bring that coverage level up, because from
HD to a potato it can be quite ring and
probably not ideal for the sports themselves, a case of
something is better than nothing.
Speaker 7 (24:11):
In some instances, we can't cover all the sports. We
simply can't. We make a selection and we value our
judgment on showcasing the sports that have pride and place
in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders and we
think we at equally reflect that in our programming.
Speaker 10 (24:27):
There's there's very few sports, there's very.
Speaker 7 (24:29):
Few competitions and series that don't you know, have the
privilege of sitting on the Sky platform. So you can't
you can't treat you know, National Rugby League in the
same vein as you you would treat all black or
so everything will be tiered and that's something that you know,
we're comfortable with and but there has to be some
business logic and some prudent management on how we actually
spend our money, because as you know, sports production is
(24:51):
not cheap. You hear it from the.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Biggest names and sports men. Have your sale sports talk
on your home of sports news.
Speaker 7 (25:00):
Talks it be.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
It was Gary Burchett, head of sport content for Sky
Television News. So yeah, it is a luxury and he
didn't say much about the subs and we're they're going
more people are watching though, are you watching more? Why?
Speaker 3 (25:18):
What is the.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Drive to that? Why do you think more and more
people are watching rugby? Is it merely the quality of
the content. Is it the quality of the coverage? Is
it the fact that we are in pretty dire times
and people simply can't afford to leave the house. So
for fifty five sixty dollars a month, this represents fantastic
(25:43):
value for money. It's the one stop shop. And maybe,
and the text has looked toward this as well. That's
why you're not seeing as many people at the grounds.
Cost of living so high it's insane impossible to afford it,
so he said, at home, watch it on TV? Is
that the case? Oh, eight hundred and eighty ten eighty,
(26:06):
we're watching more, not more of us watching, but we're
watching more. Why is that? What is the attraction of
super rugby? Because it's soaring above all of the other sports?
Your thoughts coming up next? Eight hundred eighty ten eighty,
it's twenty six minutes away from eighth. Your calls up next,
(26:27):
good evening.
Speaker 11 (26:30):
To get forty kout, she said, NYE, nice to meet you.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
To nine may we das get upove.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
Thirty she's seventy seven sports talking. He talks here b
are eight hundred and eighty ten eighty lines are open
to con text nine two nine two That is a
z B z B. We're watching more. You're up to
your consumption. Why quality of the game itself? The fixture
of the self is the quality of the coverage?
Speaker 10 (27:06):
It's was it?
Speaker 2 (27:06):
The quality of the panels around it, the highlights packages.
What is driving our engagement up? Is it simple by
just saying it's the product? Hey, Chris, how are you?
What does it for you?
Speaker 12 (27:22):
Good? Eight? I'd like to say k K to the
doctor Mayhew's family.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, tough times a yeah, real shock.
Speaker 12 (27:32):
So when it comes to the rugby, got two points
to make on this. The first one is I actually
think it's those slight variant rule changes with forcing lineouts
and scrums to be held within thirty seconds. The speeding
up of the game has made it a more enjoyable
package to watch, and so people have bought into it
and have gone back to it and oh it's not
(27:54):
that bad.
Speaker 10 (27:55):
So it's the.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
Quality of the game itself. Everything around the exterior is
of little important to you. It's what you've actually seen.
Speaker 12 (28:03):
Well when it comes to the commentary and the package
and the guys on the sideline that they cover in
the very analytical and that they're very good at producing
the behind the scenes stuff and have done it well
for years. So I haven't seen much change in that aspect.
But it's actually the quality of the rugby, but the
high intensity nature of the game that has improved this
(28:25):
year compared to years gone by. And I think there
might be other people that may agree with me, but
that's up for other people's opinions.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
You'd like your rugby, christ you love your rugby? Does
this make any difference to you? Like you've noticed it.
Do you know other people that I'm encourage Moe to
watch it and give it another shot because of these changes,
like the say Andy seventy three seconds of static time
now it's been reduced. It doesn't sound like a great deal,
(28:53):
but I mean probably it is less time passing around.
Speaker 12 (28:58):
I live here in Australia, as you know, but there's
people that have come to my house to watch super
Games this year who wouldn't normally, which they know Union,
but they are watching Union and they're getting into it again.
Speaker 13 (29:13):
Over here.
Speaker 12 (29:14):
You can see the difference.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Why is that? Is it because it's purely the game
is something the fact that Australian teams are actually starting
to perform. They're just like, okay, this is okay this
game now they've made it work for me.
Speaker 12 (29:26):
It's both points. So one of the game is faster,
and the Australians do play a good game when they're
playing a fast game, so it done more into it.
You know, you've got New South Wales. You know they've
had a couple losses, but Queensland are riding high the
New South Wales Act. They're going better than what they've
done in previous years. So people are interested because Australians
(29:47):
don't support teams when they're losing a shocking they're absolutely
shock is like that, but you know they're seeing a
little bit of performance out of their sides, which gives
them a bit of a cap But I wanted to Yeah,
I think it's all about the game and the speed.
For me, that's why I'm enjoying the Super Ugly Year.
But the second point I wanted to make was when
(30:10):
it comes to the broadcasting, I think Sky are doing
us a disservice because I heard a few months ago
they're going to discontinue broadcasting the NPC in the years.
In a couple of years, Am I right about that?
Speaker 2 (30:25):
I don't know what the timeline is. They're still working
through it because I don't think it brings in our
hats and it's an expensive product, expensive produce that all
over parks all over the country, so we get more
likely it's gone.
Speaker 12 (30:41):
I'd say, I get that, But what do they need
to realize is just like any good businesses say. For me,
as a consumer, I like to watch the NPC personally
because I get to see the talent that's going to
come through to the super teams, then they get better
in the super team, and then they become an All Black.
So you go on that journey with the players and
(31:02):
you can see where they started and it's almost like
a lost leader where you see where they started they
came from, and you can see the career, so you're
you sort of get into the game where you know
the player, you've seen them. They might be playing for
White out of Wellington, doesn't matter, and then they're at
(31:24):
the Highlanders or what, and then they've become an All
Black and it's it's cool to be able to see
that journey as well. So I think it's relatively short
sighted it and just well.
Speaker 2 (31:34):
I suppose Pristle, we'll find out what Sky and MS
are get up to them. Thanks as always for your call,
because that deal was not done yet. We don't know
where it sits, how much it is for an increase
a decrease on whatever side, and whether that involves coverage
of the NPC or not. That this is an arm wrestle,
a tussle going on behind closed doors.
Speaker 13 (31:57):
Evening, Derek, Oh, yeah, good evening. It's tell you what
if you look through the history of sport and big
cities around the world, whenever there is an economic downturn,
there's always a lot of crowds watching sport as a
form of cheap entertainment. You go, you're wrong, there are both. Yeah,
(32:20):
it's just the way it goes. You have a look
at some of the crowds in the days for boxing
in the States through the thirties. Massive, I'm talking one
hundred thousand. They're the same with football everywhere. It's just
it's just cheap entertainment. And look, I listen to that
guy Gary talking from Sky and what a good talker
he is. He comes across really well and he his
(32:41):
enthusiasm is so catching.
Speaker 2 (32:43):
Well, I hope. So he's got one of the most
exciting jobs there is he's got. He looks after content
on Sky Sport.
Speaker 13 (32:49):
Wow, a sort of job you and I should be doing. Look,
I would be. I sort of lost him when he
he made out. There's quite a few people watching the
Woman's Phoenix plan. I watch a lot of women's football,
as you know, I'd be shocked if people are watching
are watching that team. I would be shocked. I go
to a lot of women's games because my niece Olden
the high level here in Auckland and there's there's there's
(33:09):
only a couple.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
Of He's one of the sayings has gone up. I
mean it's like when you say Australia you're getting a
thirty percent and Chris in eyeballs thirty percent of what
I got no idea, but it's trending up. That's what
he was saying. Don't you see it huge or.
Speaker 9 (33:22):
More?
Speaker 7 (33:23):
Yeah?
Speaker 13 (33:24):
Sorry, no, I was just going to say, he's just
visually mirroring what that article like Gregor Paul and The
Herald this morning, which I thought was interesting. Basically I
thought he was going to report on on on sport
there is seemed like he was trying to promote this
morning Gregor Paul was trying to promote the Super Rabian scenes.
But look they got nine thousand this weekend to Eden Park,
(33:45):
and that, of course on from that article that was
written on Monday by Michael Burgess about why all the
fuss about Eden Park getting done up? Nobody goes there.
They're all going about smart at the moment, and of
course the Warriors have been sold out all last year
and at the moment the Warriors are on a three
game winning streets, so it's been out going against Melbourne, Melbourne,
they could get another full house coming up after that,
(34:05):
and of course Aland even though it's a bit of
troubles in the crowd, they ended up getting against Western
Sydney they got eighteen thousand. All was at that game.
And now all of a sudden you look across at
Monica Pasilica playing the Hurricanes over in Alberty up for
six thousand, and of course you know as well as
I do. Down in christ Yes, they got eleven thousand
on a Sunday afternoon to watch the Crusaders play against
(34:26):
Queens and Reds. So look all right across the board,
a lot of the Ruby crowds are down, and that
you could put down I guess to maybe an economic downtown,
so Derek and there.
Speaker 2 (34:38):
It's expensive to go to games. You got train sport.
For some reason, people have to stuff their face in
there at a game. I don't know why, but anyway,
that's their problem, not mine, So.
Speaker 13 (34:47):
I don't know what that's about.
Speaker 2 (34:48):
I need to know. The food suits just don't eat anything,
you know, it says an hour and a half, you know,
waste away. But like trainsport, tickets, food to shut the
kids up, everything it can be expensive. You think about that,
and what a month of Sky plus the standard set up?
What fifty five bucks you get? Why maybe we'll.
Speaker 7 (35:07):
Go and go.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
You know what, I'm going to stay at home. It's
nice and comfortable here and I can fart loudly and
no one cares.
Speaker 13 (35:13):
Right, Yeah, and you wonder And I had that guy
just before you had on. I read that article about
Sky sort of phasing out Ranfilly Shield, phasing out the
women's rugby, phasing out MPC, And I watched a lot
of the MPC last year. Is I thought it was
very exciting them super ruggy from my point of view,
and that was interesting because that's always been the lifeblood
of the game. And I can see that. I could
(35:34):
hear the worry in his voice. And of course you
have a look at A League clubs, and there's an
article by Bonnie Jensen this morning, but A League clubs
they got two million dollars I think the year before
that's substantially down this year. Of course, Auckland's doing okay
because they've got big billionaire benefactors to help build up
the team in their first season. Say, look, it's an
interesting thing, but I will disagree on this though, I
(35:55):
don't think the Blues are a competition for the Warriors
and Auckland the f C for the for the one
reason is those are club sides and a club competition
and they have that tribalism which of course She's the
only Rugby doesn't actually have because they've gone in another direction.
And it is interesting when you have a look at
what's going on about Smart Obviously it's such a well
organized situation, whereas you've got an A league club that's
(36:17):
in this which is basically a summer league, and of
course that the Warriors are now coming in to be
a winter league, so that stadium is going to be
virtually pulled most of the time. The way things are going,
it's just the way it works out. And of course
the article of course I was talking about on Monday
by Michael Burgess about who's actually going to play it
at Edden Park, it makes a very interesting question. It's
(36:38):
one that I think people should be asking and on that, Derek.
Speaker 2 (36:41):
Will you get on with you evening. It's a pleasure,
Thanks very much for your call. Twelve and a half
away from eight lines are Rabah one hundred and eighty
ten eighty eight points that Derek made them interesting points
as as always in a downturn, more people engage in
sport because it's cheap. And you can't help but think
things are so expensive out there in our travel and
(37:03):
food and tickets and everything else that make your eyeball.
You sat down with a whole of week books and
some full fat milk that you go, there's night's entertainment
and got anything?
Speaker 12 (37:14):
Why not?
Speaker 2 (37:15):
And the product's bloody good? But what's prominent?
Speaker 10 (37:18):
What is it?
Speaker 2 (37:18):
Because it cost as a product, is it? You've got
nothing else to do? What's driving it up? Eighty ten
eight You've got a pile of texts for you as
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(38:45):
only as directors to the text lines we go, or
you can call through eight hundred eighty ten eighty your
one that's indulging more on the TV. I'd like to
hear from here, Darcy writes Jed Suber Rugby is rubbish
and boring. The nature is to stop start can be
(39:05):
to The NRL wouldn't even feature in the top one
undred sporting competitions of the world. Only eleven teams now
gone from ten to twelve, to fourteen to sixteen and
back to twelve and now eleven. Bring back the South
African teams. All the Japanese, all the Argentinians. Akay, it
was from Brent, not Jed. I got that one wrong. Yeah,
(39:27):
it's spent a lot of time thinking about something you
find really rubbish and boring the god I disagree. At
its absolute best, nothing can touch rugby. It's got rhythm,
it's got flow. It goes from one breakdown to one
scrum to this to that, keeps moving and at its
best it's stunning. At it's worst, it's almost impossible to watch.
(39:50):
Rugby league never quite reaches the heights of rugby union
when it comes to full expression. But rugby league also
doesn't dredge the depths like rugby union can do. It's
a different band and there are different sports. See the
point in comparing them? Even though I just did. The
(40:11):
NRL will carry on and if Liam can win, rugby
can continue to evolve and catch up. So no, the
NRL will carry sky. I don't will. I don't know.
I look, I watched the Warriors every weekend without fail.
There's a good chance on a Thursday, watch a game
on a Friday when again home, I might you know,
(40:32):
get a half a game in and maybe one over
the weekend more watching every round I think the Warriors
carry it. I don't think the NRL carried it all.
I think the Warriors is where the eyeballs are at,
and there's some hardcore league fans who watch everything else.
Like when it started, it was all about the NRL.
I remember I first got Sky was that that was
(40:54):
why Darcy the Sky. Viewing numbers on Super Rugby are
high because people can't be bothered going to watch it live,
unlike the soccer and the league bands maybe and with
Super Rugby, those teams and you look at MO one
up Pus if you can and Auckland that they are
(41:16):
two teams out of one competition that represent Auckland, whereas
the Warriors are the only team in the ale of
the comp from New Zealand and AKFC not quite but
nearly NPC to TV and Z all right, Stuart, that
worked for the cricket increased viewership numbers. Their call, Stuart,
(41:36):
who's going to pay for it? That's the next trick.
You can't just turn up with a potato with a
film stuffed in it and provide product. You can't. It
costs a lot of money to cover a game commentary
and the ob trucks and everything else that you need.
(42:00):
It's expensive. If TV and Z had some money, sure,
but one we need to believe they don't. And why
are sporting events of national important is not free to
air as in Australia. Well, the new deal with Channel
nine and stand Sport means Super Rugby won't be go figure.
Here's the last word in the program from Adrian Donald
(42:20):
is the CEO of Harbor Rugby. This is on the
untimely and very sad passing of doctor John Mayhew North Harboro.
Speaker 4 (42:31):
We're made aware of John had had some complications late
last week and literally arrived in Australia for some work
and got a phone call from from Achieveman with regards
to the passing of John. Absolutely devastating news for the
wider rugby community. Is a treasured man in North Harbor,
(42:53):
in the wider rugby circles. Has contribution has been immense
to the North Harborough province since nineteen eighty five. He
has made a life member a few years ago and
he has continued involvement. Has been always at the forefront
of the game. A mess of tragic loss to lose
such a great men.
Speaker 2 (43:09):
It's Adrian Donald's CEO of of Harbor, Rugby doesn't seem
real Producer Andy Duff and thank you for all your
help us always. Andy came wandering into the studio. Sorry,
the ice box, the refrigerator I was working at all day.
I swear I've gone blue and told me and it
took me probably five to ten seconds to actually digest
(43:32):
what he just said. I'd res easy, John, You'll be missed,
Adaha and thoughts to your family, to your friends and
everybody in the rugby in the medical community. Embarsy water
Grave Good email.
Speaker 1 (43:51):
For more from sports talk, listen live to News Talks
it'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Darcy Waldegrave
from News Talk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Evening. Welcome on into sports Talk on Darcy water Grave.
It's Wednesday, ninth of April twenty twenty five, coming up
six after seven, that's which through till eight o'clock.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Tonight.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
We're going to talk about the consumption of rugby and sport.
How happy you are the deal that you're getting from SkyTV,
because we've got the head of sport content for Sky
Television on the program. His name is Gary Burchett. Rugby
is strong against the narl and a league. Where do
(01:14):
they need to pick up that game where they succeeded?
What is their main focus because, of course is on
the back of the news coming out that Super Rugby
is making some ground over in Australia and here in
New Zealand as well. The changes have worked. People are
tuning in, but are they happy with what they've got
(01:34):
or would we complain? Yeah, of course we would all
the time. Can't help ourselves. Sad, sad, sad news today.
John Mayhew passed today. Huge legacy of rugby, rugby, league,
sports medicine in general. We only had them on the
program about three weeks ago talking about interference on the
(01:59):
park by medical professionals. So as a slap, isn't it
when someone you know passes way too early? Way too soon?
So we'll be joined by Newsian Rugby CEO Mark Robinson
shortly to pay due respect to doctor John Mayhew. Before
we do that, though, let's steal a whole lot of
(02:21):
this today and sports today. As I said, doctor John
Maye's passed away. The former All Blacks and Warriors doctor
had an enormous and lengthy contribution into New Zealand sport.
North Harbor chief executive Adrian and Donald remember him fondly.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Dealing with him as a player. His expertise and knowledge
around sports community. Andrews was an exceptional being extremely well
regarded to. His contribution to both rugby and rugby league
can't be underestimated.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Yeah, rest easy, big man. Super Rugby Pacific is kicking
a few goals. Yay, people are returning to the tournament,
said CEO Jack Masley. He spoke of the improvements that
have stimulated new excitement in the game. Well that's what
he told the HOSK.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
We're seeing many hoodos for many years get broken and
huge lot of reversal of results of matches from last year,
not just with the Australian side's more on a specific
for example, the Crusaders are back, so all of that
is feeling some interesting.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Rory McRoy well aware of the interest behind his shot
at joining an elite group of golfers. If he picks
up the green jacket and August early Monday morning, New
zeal On time, he'll become the sick man to pick
up a career Grand Slam after Gene Sarason, being a
Hogan Gary player, Jet Nicholas and Tiger Woods Damn med
(03:42):
some company.
Speaker 6 (03:43):
Look, I understand the narrative and the noise, and you
know there's a lot of anticipation and build up and
coming into this tournament Eachen every year. But I just
have to keep my head down and focus on my job.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
And Arsenal manager Michael Arteta has explained by his team
are riding high after tearing Arounl Madrid a new one
in the first leg Champions League quarter final three zero,
with all the goals coming out of withering seventeen minutes
second half. My feeling was that the team was super
(04:17):
convinced and we had the trust that we could do
it because we've done it for now, big.
Speaker 6 (04:21):
Periods against the best opposition that you can face in
football for two years.
Speaker 7 (04:25):
And if you can do that, you can do it
on the day, of.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Course you can.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
And that's sports Today had nine minutes after seven in
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Officer Mark Robinson to join us.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Now, good evening, Mark, even Darsie.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Super sad day. The passing of doctor John Mayhew always
comes as surprise someone that's had a huge amount to
do with sports, specifically rugby over the years. This is
a sad day, a great loss for the community.
Speaker 8 (04:57):
Yeah, I mean you covered up well, Darcy were obviously
incredibly said to learn of this news earlier today. He
had a massive impact, you know, across the game at
many many levels. You know, he's obviously deeply respected in
the North Harbor region where he's been connected to the
(05:19):
game for a very long time and had an amazing
tenure with New Zealand Rugby and and the All Blacks
where he looked after you know, a whole whole generation
of players and serve the team with sort of massive distinctions.
So yeah, he'll be sadly miss he's gone on, you
know since that time, you know, over fifteen years with
(05:39):
the All Blacks and then onto you know, different sports,
and he's he was back with the Rugby Foundation doing
amazing work in that brain and concussion research space. So
just a huge servant to the game, deeply cared for
and loved, you know, across all levels of the game.
We're going to miss him.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Something ole mess as well, the fact that he was
so intense on the research and too brain problems into
concussion problems. He was very well read, very learned, always
bring the information that you required, and this was something
that he was at like a terrier all the time.
It says how much he values this kind of research
(06:15):
for the game and of course the players, including his
family who played the game as well. He wasn't just
sitting there watching.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (06:24):
I mean, he was a true rugby man, wasn't he
He was. He was someone that he just loved.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
The game and wanted to be involved at all levels.
Speaker 8 (06:32):
I just say he had he very proud dad of
kids playing at a high level. And you know, I
remember he was he was a doctor of the of
the All Blacks when I was in the team, and
he just had a lovely sort of nature about him
in terms of hugely professional and caring of people. Had
(06:53):
a nice sense of humor and great sense of benter
around players, but very professional in his standards and how
he was always searching too for new ways of care
and understanding, keeping up with the pace of the development
of you know that medical space and sports right for
his time with the team. So no, he was just
(07:16):
a special guy. You know that we're lucky in New
Zealand rugby and at many levels that we have people
that give back to the game, and he.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Was one of the best in the space and he
was around for such a long time as part of
the furniture like that was nineteen eighty eight through to
two thousand and four hundred and thirty one test over
two hundred matches. That says a lot about not only
his ability as a doctor, but as he touched on
Mark Robinson, the fact that he's such a lovely bloke
(07:46):
people wanted to be around him, such a wonderful addition
to have to any team.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Someone like that.
Speaker 8 (07:53):
Yeah, he yeah, like I said before, he had just
a nice feel.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
He knew.
Speaker 8 (08:00):
You know, his first obligations obviously as a Dock and
the team was to take care of people and look
after them and have the utmost highest levels of professionalism.
But he also had that ability to step away, have
a laugh, build great friendships, and through that he developed
a huge amount of trust in the environments and was
just someone that was always good to be around and
(08:23):
a great thing right through that time. Even after finished
with the All Blacks to go on and lead some
of the work and be such a strong advocate of
the game and athlete here on the Rugby Foundation. I
know he's huge set there that'll be missed also. So
he was just someone that never never stopped serving and
never stopped giving, Darcy, and as I've said a number
(08:44):
of times, we're going to really miss him.
Speaker 7 (08:45):
Yeah we will.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Indeed, I was blown away to find out that he
began his association with North Harbor nineteen eighty five, the
Union's doctors since its inception, so definitely completely old school
has been around a while, and as you said, he'll
be sorely missed by everybody in the community. Marks for joining.
Speaker 8 (09:07):
Us, Thanks Darcy, thank you.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
The right call is your call on eight eight Sports
Talk All on your home of Sports News Talk.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
As Mark Robinson's CEO vn Z are talking of the
the death of Dr John Mayhew today, the legacy left
on the sport. It was fourteen fifteen years with a Warriors,
the same amount of time with the All Blacks two.
But are always a north Shore kid. I've been interviewing
(09:38):
him as long as I've been stinking this joint out.
Whis been a long time. Always very on point, always
very respectful, but always with a cheek smile behind whatever
he said. Never a problem getting him on the program.
Always wanted to contribute, especially around concussion in that area
(10:01):
which he was so passionate about. Rest easy, John, You'll
be missed. Join us all the time. Three weeks ago
was the last time you're on the show. It just
seems surreal that you're not with us anymore. Such a
staple of He's helling Rugby of New zealing league. Condolences
thoughts out to all of us. Fun not hang in there, eh,
(10:25):
it's his news talks eb coming go next on the
program ahead of a small content for Sky TV. Joins
his names Gary birr Chet. We're talking around the engagement
in sky People are watching Rugby? What else are they watching?
Is it a deal. Is it a luxury? Is it
a bargain?
Speaker 1 (10:44):
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
You can find out when we talk to Gary next,
and then I'll get Jill online after that. Are you happy?
You're okay with it? Okay with the deal? You can
sue me more of it? Does it work for you?
Sixteen after seven we'll find out more from you after Gary,
who joins us next here at NEWSTALKSZB.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
You do need to be dmo. We've got the breakdown
on Sports Talk call oh eight hundred News Talk zi B.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Seventy nineteen Sports Talk on News Talk z B one
hundred eighty ten eighty and six nineteen nine two z
B z B standing Tis judge does apply with that transaction.
It's fall content for Sky Television. Gary Burchett to join
Gary burchet excuse me to join us at shortly. We'll
(11:44):
take your calls up after that. But Marion joins us now.
The thought on Dr John Mayhew Marion.
Speaker 9 (11:52):
Oh, Darcy, I just wanted to add a wonderful child,
Boza said John Wise and Sportsmdersine way back in the
late seventies and eighties, and a wonderful help who was
to North Harbor nitball and He was sort of beyond
before his time, and he always gave his special attention
(12:15):
to whatever he wanted. A great help to coaches and
also have netball were adebted to have as fellas I know,
he was button too rugby and rugby league, but dare
I say he might have started off in netball.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
The things he loved all sport, didn't he when you
talk to him off air on air, it didn't matter
what kind of sport it was. He was such a
fan of what it did for the community, what it
did for the youth, and indeed what it did for
all follows as well. Are getting engaged.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
He was a huge fan of sport absolutely well.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
It's nice to know that he had some influence in
the wide world of netball as well. Marrying, thanks very
much for calling in no worries.
Speaker 4 (12:52):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
It's twenty minutes after seven. We were there on Doctor
John Mayhew again, condolences, respect and adoha going out to
his entire family. We're going to talk TV content almost
immediately here on NEWSTALKSZB.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
Forget the riffs call you make a call Sports Talk
on your home of sports news Talks.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
We're joined now by Gary Burchett, head of Sport content
for Sky Television and New Zealand. Quite the job, Gary,
good evening.
Speaker 7 (13:27):
Good evening, Darcy, and very warming and in to your listeners.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
And thanks very much for joining us. Is a great
time to be head of content for Sky Sport, especially
when you look at what's happening in the rugby union
space right now. Super Rugby has accelerated. Evidentally, have you
seen much of that? How have you consumed this increase
(13:52):
in consumption?
Speaker 7 (13:53):
Well, I think the way that a competition starts is
paramount and you have to give credit to Super Rugby
and sans are for the scheduling. If you take your
casting mind back to round one, you know, starting down
a church with the Crusaders and the Hurricanes. It was
a Sunday afternoon, the Crusaders fans came out, they got
a home victory, and then.
Speaker 10 (14:13):
It was followed up with Blues v.
Speaker 7 (14:14):
Chiefs, and in the second round we had the Chiefs
hosting the Crusaders and the Highlanders and the Blues. So
starting with those local derbies truly speaks to your audience
and I think that set a really strong launch pad
for getting fans into the competition. But the Darci al viewership,
and I was really are reflected by the quality of
(14:35):
the competition on the park and I think few can
argue that we've had an exhilarating start and now we're
midway through the competition and there's just been so many
high points. You know, So when I'm talking to my
commentators and giving them briefings, commentators rely very much on
moments in a match, and so we're seeing a more
aggressive running and attacking style of rugby and I think
(14:58):
that also bleeds into the commentary calls. And that's what
we want as broadcast is we want to bring our
viewers those high points so that we ca and so
we can get them excited.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
What points to look at when you see the rise
and eyeballs that are really important to you are the
particular parameters that are important for what you do.
Speaker 7 (15:20):
Yes, you know, we rely heavily on on reach and engagement.
You know, reach is the total number of people that
will come to an event. That's where we rely on
our impressive marketing promo teams to let people know when
the matches on. That's that's really important. But you know,
as a producer, we also look at engagement, so you know,
people staying with us from from whistle to whistle. That's
(15:42):
a very good indicator of how how pulsating match and
our coverage is. But I always say that, you know,
as broadcasts, sometimes you can do the perfect the perfect
broadcast or the match coverage, but sometimes the athletic display
in the middle hasn't actually come up to standard. So
we really rely on the athletes to put on a
show so that our commentators and our production teams to
(16:02):
complement the action in the middle to create a real
sensory experience for the fans.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
So I'm presuming you're quite closely involved with all of
these productions. So you're a head of sports content. Are
you very much hands on and hands in not only
with the way it's broadcast, but with what you want
from Super Rugby full stop?
Speaker 7 (16:24):
Yes, there's I think the one thing I always remind
my team is that we're entertainers and that people pay
for our product, and so we've got to make it good.
We've got to make it better than anyone else around us.
And I stand by that, and that's something that Sky
holds very dear, that it is premium content worth paying for.
And I work with a lot of athletes that come
in in the expert and the number two chair and
(16:47):
remind them you're not an athlete anymore. Now your job
is actually to go and entertain. So get excited, because
if you're not excited our audience, our audience certainly won't be.
So it's about finding the rhythms and the patterns within
the match. But also, you know, fans aren't silly, so
you can't talk up something that's not there. So it's
about bringing an authenticity and a genuine sort of tone
and flavor.
Speaker 10 (17:07):
To it at work.
Speaker 7 (17:08):
But yeah, to answer your question, I am hands on,
but I've got a very capable team and we produce
world class rugby coverage. We all produce world class football coverage,
So I've got a very set of stable and experienced
hands around me the collaborate to put on what we
think is sport worth paying for.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
How important is it that you produce and provide top
rugby content? Is this in an essence that the pillar
of sky sport to have rugby as a success?
Speaker 10 (17:38):
Yeah it is.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
I mean New Zealand is a rugby nation, but it's
also a netfort nation, a football nation, a rugby league nation,
a motorsport nation.
Speaker 10 (17:46):
I believe you do.
Speaker 7 (17:47):
You like your motorsport, so I don't have any bias
except that we want all our sports to succeed. And
part of my role with my colleague is to make
sure that all our sports have polish and sing and
that we give the athletes justice. And sometimes it's more
than the contest. I think what's important when you're watching
as a viewer to understand the athlete behind the number,
(18:10):
so their journey, their struggle, you know it. Sometimes making
that content relatable to our viewer. We need to find
that connectivity and you know so being emotion emotion and
personalizing the content is something that we take very seriously.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Rugby very important though to draw iballs full stop. It's
our national game and this is something you're going to
hang your coat on. So we're all particularly interested. And
where you are with ns it are with the latest deal,
how long before we find out if you have signed
up together as a team as a unit as one Gary.
Speaker 7 (18:46):
That's a really good question and a good good effort
from you, But I have not privited those conversations. Safe
to say that rugby is incredibly important to our network.
If you look at the keys for subscription and you know,
rugby is very much up there as his NRLs.
Speaker 10 (19:03):
Is as his cricket, as is football.
Speaker 7 (19:05):
And Netbork their New Zealand's They love their rugby, but
they also have you know, a collection of sports that
drive them.
Speaker 10 (19:13):
We're not just a rugby network, but it is very much.
It is a bedrock of our success.
Speaker 7 (19:17):
But I don't I don't have anything further to add
on on.
Speaker 10 (19:22):
Where the negotiations are presently at.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
Gary Bitchik joins us. He is the hit of sports
content for Sky TV. Auckland FC have been a revelation
in their first year. How are those numbers versus another Well,
I'm talking Auckland, a local product in the Blues. Do
they match up? Where's the success out there?
Speaker 7 (19:43):
It's been one of the success stories. It's actually been
one of the most extraordinary sporting runs that I've been
associated and I've been working in sport since two thousand
and four, in radio and in television. And to have
a new entity, to have a startup, to come into
a city like Auckland with a new coach and with
(20:05):
zero experience in the professional playing realm, and to be
top of the table continuously top of the table throughout
the season, to win three derbies against rivals Wellington, to
build a fan base and averaging over fifteen thousand at
GHOS Smart Media Stadium is just nothing short of extraordinary.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
Pet numbers.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Compare though to the likes of the Blues. I'm sure
you must run comparison. And again with the Warriors, we
know what a big draw cub they are, so in
that level. Where do they all sit the Blues Auckland
DFC League because they're all competing here in Auckland City
and of course.
Speaker 7 (20:42):
Across to be taking top Blues are come to be
taking top spot. But the a leg numbers you know,
for this season have been, you know, nothing short of extraordinary.
We're looking at on sky Sport they're up forty one
percent year on year, On Skygo they're up sixty six percent.
And our women's comp also is up you know, thirty
to forty percent. So let's not forget the Welling Wellington
Phoenix women in.
Speaker 10 (21:03):
The w League.
Speaker 7 (21:04):
So you know, there's there's a lot to be excited
about with football. With the All Whites qualifying for their
third World Cup final next year, I think it just
goes to show the widespread support and enthusiasm for the
round ball.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
How big isligu the NRL outside of the Warriors, because
the Warriors.
Speaker 7 (21:22):
Is the go too.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
That's why you've paid for the privilege of covering the NRL, well,
at least providing coverage of the NRL.
Speaker 10 (21:31):
Does it look Without.
Speaker 7 (21:33):
Going into specifics, the you know the the opening match
in Las Vegas produced extraordinary numbers for our network. That
was in tandem with a very coordinated marketing and promotional
campaign from from my colleagues. It's they are. They are highly,
hugely successful you know sporting entity here, if I'm not mistaken,
(21:55):
the only NRL club that sold every home game, every ticket,
every home game. So they create in the same way
with Auckland f C. They create a true fanic experience
on match day, even if the result doesn't necessarily go
your way, you know you've walked away being part of
something special. So it's a lot and there's a lot
to be said for entertaining the fan on and off
(22:16):
the park.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
Garey, it's interesting time for everybody. The cost of living
has gone up. I don't think any of us are
making any more money. It's tight. Sky arguably is a luxury.
I think the Skysport package went up another five bucks
of recent times. How do people justify spending that money
(22:37):
that luxury? What can you do to promote that? Because
I'm presuming your numbers are going up as far as
people subscribing, I can.
Speaker 7 (22:46):
Tell you that our viewership numbers are certainly going up.
All our sports are up. Engagement across all platforms for
this time last year is up ten percent, so we're
obviously doing something right. I think we're giving people value
for money. I've been lucky enough to work, you know,
in various places the UK. I've worked in Hong Kong,
I've worked in India, and pounds for pound, I don't
(23:08):
think that in springs. Fans around the world do not
get as much value as they do striving the sport
on Sky. You think about it, You've got ten dedicated
Sky Sport channels, have two ESPN channels, and if you
like your racing, your two track side channels, so there's
fourteen channels to choose from.
Speaker 10 (23:24):
I mean, that is a lot of sport.
Speaker 7 (23:26):
So we think we're tremendous value for money, and that
has to be reflected in the quality of the coverage
and the level of coverage that we deliver.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
At a local level, garry and covering sport that maybe
hasn't got the profile the sports would like. How expensive
is it for you to put games on and provide
that coverage Because being in this role, I hear from
people some of the local production values that maybe sells
NBL level aren't ideal. Is this something you'd like to
(23:57):
be better? Act I suppose or have more money to
spend on to bring that coverage level up, because from
HD to a potato it can be quite ring and
probably not ideal for the sports themselves, a case of
something is better than nothing.
Speaker 7 (24:11):
In some instances, we can't cover all the sports. We
simply can't. We make a selection and we value our
judgment on showcasing the sports that have pride and place
in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders and we
think we at equally reflect that in our programming.
Speaker 10 (24:27):
There's there's very few sports, there's very.
Speaker 7 (24:29):
Few competitions and series that don't you know, have the
privilege of sitting on the Sky platform. So you can't
you can't treat you know, National Rugby League in the
same vein as you you would treat all black or
so everything will be tiered and that's something that you know,
we're comfortable with and but there has to be some
business logic and some prudent management on how we actually
spend our money, because as you know, sports production is
(24:51):
not cheap. You hear it from the.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Biggest names and sports men. Have your sale sports talk
on your home of sports news.
Speaker 7 (25:00):
Talks it be.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
It was Gary Burchett, head of sport content for Sky
Television News. So yeah, it is a luxury and he
didn't say much about the subs and we're they're going
more people are watching though, are you watching more? Why?
Speaker 3 (25:18):
What is the.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Drive to that? Why do you think more and more
people are watching rugby? Is it merely the quality of
the content. Is it the quality of the coverage? Is
it the fact that we are in pretty dire times
and people simply can't afford to leave the house. So
for fifty five sixty dollars a month, this represents fantastic
(25:43):
value for money. It's the one stop shop. And maybe,
and the text has looked toward this as well. That's
why you're not seeing as many people at the grounds.
Cost of living so high it's insane impossible to afford it,
so he said, at home, watch it on TV? Is
that the case? Oh, eight hundred and eighty ten eighty,
(26:06):
we're watching more, not more of us watching, but we're
watching more. Why is that? What is the attraction of
super rugby? Because it's soaring above all of the other sports?
Your thoughts coming up next? Eight hundred eighty ten eighty,
it's twenty six minutes away from eighth. Your calls up next,
(26:27):
good evening.
Speaker 11 (26:30):
To get forty kout, she said, NYE, nice to meet you.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
To nine may we das get upove.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
Thirty she's seventy seven sports talking. He talks here b
are eight hundred and eighty ten eighty lines are open
to con text nine two nine two That is a
z B z B. We're watching more. You're up to
your consumption. Why quality of the game itself? The fixture
of the self is the quality of the coverage?
Speaker 10 (27:06):
It's was it?
Speaker 2 (27:06):
The quality of the panels around it, the highlights packages.
What is driving our engagement up? Is it simple by
just saying it's the product? Hey, Chris, how are you?
What does it for you?
Speaker 12 (27:22):
Good? Eight? I'd like to say k K to the
doctor Mayhew's family.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, tough times a yeah, real shock.
Speaker 12 (27:32):
So when it comes to the rugby, got two points
to make on this. The first one is I actually
think it's those slight variant rule changes with forcing lineouts
and scrums to be held within thirty seconds. The speeding
up of the game has made it a more enjoyable
package to watch, and so people have bought into it
and have gone back to it and oh it's not
(27:54):
that bad.
Speaker 10 (27:55):
So it's the.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
Quality of the game itself. Everything around the exterior is
of little important to you. It's what you've actually seen.
Speaker 12 (28:03):
Well when it comes to the commentary and the package
and the guys on the sideline that they cover in
the very analytical and that they're very good at producing
the behind the scenes stuff and have done it well
for years. So I haven't seen much change in that aspect.
But it's actually the quality of the rugby, but the
high intensity nature of the game that has improved this
(28:25):
year compared to years gone by. And I think there
might be other people that may agree with me, but
that's up for other people's opinions.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
You'd like your rugby, christ you love your rugby? Does
this make any difference to you? Like you've noticed it.
Do you know other people that I'm encourage Moe to
watch it and give it another shot because of these changes,
like the say Andy seventy three seconds of static time
now it's been reduced. It doesn't sound like a great deal,
(28:53):
but I mean probably it is less time passing around.
Speaker 12 (28:58):
I live here in Australia, as you know, but there's
people that have come to my house to watch super
Games this year who wouldn't normally, which they know Union,
but they are watching Union and they're getting into it again.
Speaker 13 (29:13):
Over here.
Speaker 12 (29:14):
You can see the difference.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Why is that? Is it because it's purely the game
is something the fact that Australian teams are actually starting
to perform. They're just like, okay, this is okay this
game now they've made it work for me.
Speaker 12 (29:26):
It's both points. So one of the game is faster,
and the Australians do play a good game when they're
playing a fast game, so it done more into it.
You know, you've got New South Wales. You know they've
had a couple losses, but Queensland are riding high the
New South Wales Act. They're going better than what they've
done in previous years. So people are interested because Australians
(29:47):
don't support teams when they're losing a shocking they're absolutely
shock is like that, but you know they're seeing a
little bit of performance out of their sides, which gives
them a bit of a cap But I wanted to Yeah,
I think it's all about the game and the speed.
For me, that's why I'm enjoying the Super Ugly Year.
But the second point I wanted to make was when
(30:10):
it comes to the broadcasting, I think Sky are doing
us a disservice because I heard a few months ago
they're going to discontinue broadcasting the NPC in the years.
In a couple of years, Am I right about that?
Speaker 2 (30:25):
I don't know what the timeline is. They're still working
through it because I don't think it brings in our
hats and it's an expensive product, expensive produce that all
over parks all over the country, so we get more
likely it's gone.
Speaker 12 (30:41):
I'd say, I get that, But what do they need
to realize is just like any good businesses say. For me,
as a consumer, I like to watch the NPC personally
because I get to see the talent that's going to
come through to the super teams, then they get better
in the super team, and then they become an All Black.
So you go on that journey with the players and
(31:02):
you can see where they started and it's almost like
a lost leader where you see where they started they
came from, and you can see the career, so you're
you sort of get into the game where you know
the player, you've seen them. They might be playing for
White out of Wellington, doesn't matter, and then they're at
(31:24):
the Highlanders or what, and then they've become an All
Black and it's it's cool to be able to see
that journey as well. So I think it's relatively short
sighted it and just well.
Speaker 2 (31:34):
I suppose Pristle, we'll find out what Sky and MS
are get up to them. Thanks as always for your call,
because that deal was not done yet. We don't know
where it sits, how much it is for an increase
a decrease on whatever side, and whether that involves coverage
of the NPC or not. That this is an arm wrestle,
a tussle going on behind closed doors.
Speaker 13 (31:57):
Evening, Derek, Oh, yeah, good evening. It's tell you what
if you look through the history of sport and big
cities around the world, whenever there is an economic downturn,
there's always a lot of crowds watching sport as a
form of cheap entertainment. You go, you're wrong, there are both. Yeah,
(32:20):
it's just the way it goes. You have a look
at some of the crowds in the days for boxing
in the States through the thirties. Massive, I'm talking one
hundred thousand. They're the same with football everywhere. It's just
it's just cheap entertainment. And look, I listen to that
guy Gary talking from Sky and what a good talker
he is. He comes across really well and he his
(32:41):
enthusiasm is so catching.
Speaker 2 (32:43):
Well, I hope. So he's got one of the most
exciting jobs there is he's got. He looks after content
on Sky Sport.
Speaker 13 (32:49):
Wow, a sort of job you and I should be doing. Look,
I would be. I sort of lost him when he
he made out. There's quite a few people watching the
Woman's Phoenix plan. I watch a lot of women's football,
as you know, I'd be shocked if people are watching
are watching that team. I would be shocked. I go
to a lot of women's games because my niece Olden
the high level here in Auckland and there's there's there's
(33:09):
only a couple.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
Of He's one of the sayings has gone up. I
mean it's like when you say Australia you're getting a
thirty percent and Chris in eyeballs thirty percent of what
I got no idea, but it's trending up. That's what
he was saying. Don't you see it huge or.
Speaker 9 (33:22):
More?
Speaker 7 (33:23):
Yeah?
Speaker 13 (33:24):
Sorry, no, I was just going to say, he's just
visually mirroring what that article like Gregor Paul and The
Herald this morning, which I thought was interesting. Basically I
thought he was going to report on on on sport
there is seemed like he was trying to promote this
morning Gregor Paul was trying to promote the Super Rabian scenes.
But look they got nine thousand this weekend to Eden Park,
(33:45):
and that, of course on from that article that was
written on Monday by Michael Burgess about why all the
fuss about Eden Park getting done up? Nobody goes there.
They're all going about smart at the moment, and of
course the Warriors have been sold out all last year
and at the moment the Warriors are on a three
game winning streets, so it's been out going against Melbourne, Melbourne,
they could get another full house coming up after that,
(34:05):
and of course Aland even though it's a bit of
troubles in the crowd, they ended up getting against Western
Sydney they got eighteen thousand. All was at that game.
And now all of a sudden you look across at
Monica Pasilica playing the Hurricanes over in Alberty up for
six thousand, and of course you know as well as
I do. Down in christ Yes, they got eleven thousand
on a Sunday afternoon to watch the Crusaders play against
(34:26):
Queens and Reds. So look all right across the board,
a lot of the Ruby crowds are down, and that
you could put down I guess to maybe an economic downtown,
so Derek and there.
Speaker 2 (34:38):
It's expensive to go to games. You got train sport.
For some reason, people have to stuff their face in
there at a game. I don't know why, but anyway,
that's their problem, not mine, So.
Speaker 13 (34:47):
I don't know what that's about.
Speaker 2 (34:48):
I need to know. The food suits just don't eat anything,
you know, it says an hour and a half, you know,
waste away. But like trainsport, tickets, food to shut the
kids up, everything it can be expensive. You think about that,
and what a month of Sky plus the standard set up?
What fifty five bucks you get? Why maybe we'll.
Speaker 7 (35:07):
Go and go.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
You know what, I'm going to stay at home. It's
nice and comfortable here and I can fart loudly and
no one cares.
Speaker 13 (35:13):
Right, Yeah, and you wonder And I had that guy
just before you had on. I read that article about
Sky sort of phasing out Ranfilly Shield, phasing out the
women's rugby, phasing out MPC, And I watched a lot
of the MPC last year. Is I thought it was
very exciting them super ruggy from my point of view,
and that was interesting because that's always been the lifeblood
of the game. And I can see that. I could
(35:34):
hear the worry in his voice. And of course you
have a look at A League clubs, and there's an
article by Bonnie Jensen this morning, but A League clubs
they got two million dollars I think the year before
that's substantially down this year. Of course, Auckland's doing okay
because they've got big billionaire benefactors to help build up
the team in their first season. Say, look, it's an
interesting thing, but I will disagree on this though, I
(35:55):
don't think the Blues are a competition for the Warriors
and Auckland the f C for the for the one
reason is those are club sides and a club competition
and they have that tribalism which of course She's the
only Rugby doesn't actually have because they've gone in another direction.
And it is interesting when you have a look at
what's going on about Smart Obviously it's such a well
organized situation, whereas you've got an A league club that's
(36:17):
in this which is basically a summer league, and of
course that the Warriors are now coming in to be
a winter league, so that stadium is going to be
virtually pulled most of the time. The way things are going,
it's just the way it works out. And of course
the article of course I was talking about on Monday
by Michael Burgess about who's actually going to play it
at Edden Park, it makes a very interesting question. It's
(36:38):
one that I think people should be asking and on that, Derek.
Speaker 2 (36:41):
Will you get on with you evening. It's a pleasure,
Thanks very much for your call. Twelve and a half
away from eight lines are Rabah one hundred and eighty
ten eighty eight points that Derek made them interesting points
as as always in a downturn, more people engage in
sport because it's cheap. And you can't help but think
things are so expensive out there in our travel and
(37:03):
food and tickets and everything else that make your eyeball.
You sat down with a whole of week books and
some full fat milk that you go, there's night's entertainment
and got anything?
Speaker 12 (37:14):
Why not?
Speaker 2 (37:15):
And the product's bloody good? But what's prominent?
Speaker 10 (37:18):
What is it?
Speaker 2 (37:18):
Because it cost as a product, is it? You've got
nothing else to do? What's driving it up? Eighty ten
eight You've got a pile of texts for you as
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only as directors to the text lines we go, or
you can call through eight hundred eighty ten eighty your
one that's indulging more on the TV. I'd like to
hear from here, Darcy writes Jed Suber Rugby is rubbish
and boring. The nature is to stop start can be
(39:05):
to The NRL wouldn't even feature in the top one
undred sporting competitions of the world. Only eleven teams now
gone from ten to twelve, to fourteen to sixteen and
back to twelve and now eleven. Bring back the South
African teams. All the Japanese, all the Argentinians. Akay, it
was from Brent, not Jed. I got that one wrong. Yeah,
(39:27):
it's spent a lot of time thinking about something you
find really rubbish and boring the god I disagree. At
its absolute best, nothing can touch rugby. It's got rhythm,
it's got flow. It goes from one breakdown to one
scrum to this to that, keeps moving and at its
best it's stunning. At it's worst, it's almost impossible to watch.
(39:50):
Rugby league never quite reaches the heights of rugby union
when it comes to full expression. But rugby league also
doesn't dredge the depths like rugby union can do. It's
a different band and there are different sports. See the
point in comparing them? Even though I just did. The
(40:11):
NRL will carry on and if Liam can win, rugby
can continue to evolve and catch up. So no, the
NRL will carry sky. I don't will. I don't know.
I look, I watched the Warriors every weekend without fail.
There's a good chance on a Thursday, watch a game
on a Friday when again home, I might you know,
(40:32):
get a half a game in and maybe one over
the weekend more watching every round I think the Warriors
carry it. I don't think the NRL carried it all.
I think the Warriors is where the eyeballs are at,
and there's some hardcore league fans who watch everything else.
Like when it started, it was all about the NRL.
I remember I first got Sky was that that was
(40:54):
why Darcy the Sky. Viewing numbers on Super Rugby are
high because people can't be bothered going to watch it live,
unlike the soccer and the league bands maybe and with
Super Rugby, those teams and you look at MO one
up Pus if you can and Auckland that they are
(41:16):
two teams out of one competition that represent Auckland, whereas
the Warriors are the only team in the ale of
the comp from New Zealand and AKFC not quite but
nearly NPC to TV and Z all right, Stuart, that
worked for the cricket increased viewership numbers. Their call, Stuart,
(41:36):
who's going to pay for it? That's the next trick.
You can't just turn up with a potato with a
film stuffed in it and provide product. You can't. It
costs a lot of money to cover a game commentary
and the ob trucks and everything else that you need.
(42:00):
It's expensive. If TV and Z had some money, sure,
but one we need to believe they don't. And why
are sporting events of national important is not free to
air as in Australia. Well, the new deal with Channel
nine and stand Sport means Super Rugby won't be go figure.
Here's the last word in the program from Adrian Donald
(42:20):
is the CEO of Harbor Rugby. This is on the
untimely and very sad passing of doctor John Mayhew North Harboro.
Speaker 4 (42:31):
We're made aware of John had had some complications late
last week and literally arrived in Australia for some work
and got a phone call from from Achieveman with regards
to the passing of John. Absolutely devastating news for the
wider rugby community. Is a treasured man in North Harbor,
(42:53):
in the wider rugby circles. Has contribution has been immense
to the North Harborough province since nineteen eighty five. He
has made a life member a few years ago and
he has continued involvement. Has been always at the forefront
of the game. A mess of tragic loss to lose
such a great men.
Speaker 2 (43:09):
It's Adrian Donald's CEO of of Harbor, Rugby doesn't seem
real Producer Andy Duff and thank you for all your
help us always. Andy came wandering into the studio. Sorry,
the ice box, the refrigerator I was working at all day.
I swear I've gone blue and told me and it
took me probably five to ten seconds to actually digest
(43:32):
what he just said. I'd res easy, John, You'll be missed,
Adaha and thoughts to your family, to your friends and
everybody in the rugby in the medical community. Embarsy water
Grave Good email.
Speaker 1 (43:51):
For more from sports talk, listen live to News Talks
it'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
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