Review Editorial
NZ rugby: The best and worst of times Nisbett wary of Wallabies threat
Veteran commentator Grant Nisbett has had the best seat in the house for 15 of the All Blacks’ 17- game winning stretch. And he’ll be on hand tonight to cheer the players on to crack a record.
Nisbett thinks the All Blacks have it in them to achieve 18 successive test victories. But he warns that we should still be wary of the Wallabies.
“They have this ability to ruin our winning streak. They’ve done it three times in the last 15 to 20 years.
“The All Blacks are very strong at the moment but they’re not always going to be this good.”
Nisbett, who has been broadcasting for 48 years and has commentated on about 283 tests, said the game had changed a lot in his time. One of the biggest changes was when the game was made professional in 1996.
“When I first started they were amateur, they came out of farms and offices.
“The All Blacks I first dealt with had to drive their tractors or put on suits and go to work. Their skill level is probably higher now playing full time.
“It’s a better game now, a far more physical game and faster game there’s no doubt about that.”
While hooker Dane Coles i s Nisbett’s favourite current player because they hail from the same rugby club, Christian Cullen gets the honour of being Nisbett’s all time top for his “staggering ability” in his 1996 to 2003 All Black career.
Despite getting a great view, Nisbett spends most of the game with his eyes glued to the monitor to keep his commentary relevant for those not at the game.
“Otherwise you end up talking about things people can’t see at home. It’s far better to reflect what people see in their lounges.”