Maitland sums up a forgettable afternoon
Ian signs off after 47 years
Ian Robertson brought his stellar 47-year career at the BBC to a close yesterday, as England beat Australia 37-18 at Twickenham.
It was a fitting way for the BBC’S rugby union correspondent to end his time behind the mic, watching the two countries who gave the 73-year-old his finest moment in broadcasting when England became world champions in 2003.
Robertson shared commentary duties with Chris Jones when England took on Australia in their final game of 2018.
An emotional Robertson “I’ll probably forget about this game pretty quick.”
That was Sean Maitland’s honest assessment of Scotland’s 14-9 win over Argentina on a cold and wet afternoon that didn’t make for champagne rugby.
Even the fact Maitland scored the try that ultimately proved the difference between the teams, his 11th in Dark Blue, won’t make it last long in his or anyone else’s memory.
“It was a very scrappy game, that first half probably wasn’t the best 40 minutes we’ve played for a while. There was a lot of turnover ball, that was down to the conditions. “People know how we want to play, chuck the ball around and have fun but we went to more of a kicking game today.
“We had opportunities and made line-breaks and we’re disappointed we didn’t finish them off.
“It was frustrating. We’d get a roll on and there would be a turnover or we’d give away a penalty but we have great leaders on the field.
“The thing that pleased me most today was, I know it wasn’t the best rugby we played but we’re learning how to grind out a game when we get a lead.
“It was good to grind out a game and win in that sort of fashion. You could just tell by the look on the boys’ faces, there was more relief than satisfaction.
“But I do want to mention is the crowd. A few years ago we were playing Georgia at Kilmarnock and couldn’t even sell that out and now we’re selling out Fiji and that’s 11 sold-out Murrayfields in a row and that’s down to the boys and how we want to play and entertain the crowd.
“But there are a lot of things we need to work on, we do know that.” signed off with these final words of commentary: “The final whistle goes. It’s all over. It’s 37-18. A convincing victory for England. The day belongs to England and they have won 37-18.”
After being thanked for his 47 years of service by presenter Mark Chapman in the studio, Robertson said it was an honour to work for the broadcaster. “A million, million thanks to you,” he said.
“I’m just so lucky to have worked with you guys for a large chunk of my 47 years. It’s a great sports room at the BBC. I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a brilliant life.”