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10 May 2017
One of the first things people say to any rugby commentator is - 'Just how DO you pronounce all those names from all the different countries?'
The answer of course is to research local trends in pronunciation and then simply, 'practice, practice and do yet more practice!' You must say each player's name in any team equally and fairly.
Take the 2017 Fiji test squad for instance - you MUST remember at all times to instantly pronounce the 'c's' in a player's name as a 'th' sound, the 'd's' as an 'In-dee' sound, the 'b's' as an 'Im-bee' sound and the 'g's' as an 'ing' sound.
Well, it's something like that - it's hard to write down on paper. I have only given you the simplest of versions of what I believe is the correct way.
There are other pitfalls and disciplines too.... But hey! Try yourself out with what has been released in recent days. It's fun to try and the Fijian populace will like you more for trying!
So, here you go - Just take a deep breath and swallow through! Pretend you're at a live radio or TV telecast at Suva's National Stadium (remembering at all times that when its 'live on the air' you can't get any of your words back for a second chance) and read these names as quickly and fluently as you can - as if the Fiji team's big squad was on one of their glorious team runs to score! Get it right with no stumbles - and you could be on the way to a new career.
"Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Kalivati Tawake, Sunia Koto, Jale Sassen, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Api Ratuniyarawa, Sikeli Nabou, Naulia Dawai, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Akapusi Qera, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Nikola Matawalu, Serupepeli Vularika, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Levani Botia, Jale Vatubua, Eroni Vasiteri, Albert Vulivuli, Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Josua Tuisova, Nemani Nadolo, Patrick Osborne, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula, and the try is scored by Kini Murimurivalu!"
So bravo for trying so hard - and doing so well!
[Mind you, if you are of European stock (or of a Celtic background), and you think they'd be an easier commentary problem try 'identifying and broadcasting' at your highest speed the 2017 Welsh team as they rush to score on their upcoming Pacific tour. The Welsh, as you'll see, offer a completely different set of problems;
"It's Aled Davies to Gareth Davies to Sam Davies and Seb Davies; then to Rob Evans and Steff Evans! And finally it's Owen Williams who gives it to Rhun Williams then Scott Williams and Tomos Williams touches down!"
See! No problems at all!' (Perhaps because there's only one Morgan and one Jones also in the touring squad of 32!)]
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13 August 1921
The All Black - Springbok rivalry starts
On the first tour of NZ by South Africa, Carisbrook in Dunedin hosts a 13-5 victory for the All Blacks.
KEARNS, PHIL
New South Wales and Australia
67 internationals 1989-99
A Wallaby World Cup winner in 1991 who went on to play in three World Cups and become one of the world’s toughest and most competitive hookers. Back in 1989 Phil Kearns was one of Bob Dwyer’s young Wallaby picks, chosen out of Sydney club play to play the All Blacks. He was part of Dwyer’s long term plan with Australia’s future in mind. The plan worked. Players like Kearns, Tony Daly, Tim Horan and Jason Little all came through to be major factors in Australia’s victory over England at Twickenham to secure the second World Cup final.
In his career Kearns’ most competitive rival was the New Zealander Sean Fitzpatrick. They met on a number of occasions and several times they were rival captains as well. Kearns captained his country ten times in all but was then replaced as leader by Michael Lynagh for the 1995 World Cup.
Injuries took their toll on Kearns several times during his career. And after he suffered a severe Achilles tendon tear it was thought he might never make the top tier of play again. But after a gap of 18 months he was back in time to be part of the Wallaby squad which won again in the World Cup of 1999. Such courage to return was typical of this tough, uncompromising player who was much admired wherever he played.
In his retirement years he has continued his association with the game via Television commentary in Australia.
How many All Blacks played for New Zealand in 2013?
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