Sam Aldred, director of Receptive.tv

In light of Vodafone’s recent partnership with the All Blacks, do you think it’s likely that the telco might one day vie for digital streaming rights, particularly when viewed in the context of all the problems Sky has had with its online services?

Vodafone aren’t going to make a standalone exclusive investment in broadcasting rights for the All Blacks. I don’t see Vodafone Group releasing $ 100 million in capex to pay for it or the millions in annual production costs and the significant internal team that would be required to administer it. So, no. Much more likely is a joint bid between the pair, with Vodafone having some exclusive carveouts – likely mobile, with the big screen experience still owned by the satellite broadcaster. There is a chance the NZRU might go it alone and sell direct packages to the New Zealand public but their core remit is to maximise their revenue and a cheque in hand is probably worth two in the bitcoin bush.

The best bet for smoke signals to the future broadcast state of rugby in New Zealand, is to look at how the battle over cricket rights in Australia pans out later this year. There are multiple players involved and a progressive rights body. I’m sure the NZRU will be looking at it with interest.