Rugby commentator Johnnie Hammond (pictured) has been one of the key voices of the current Women's Rugby World Cup. He runs us through who has impressed him most.
Are there any differences covering the women’s game from covering international men’s rugby?
I have to say no or certainly very few; especially when you are covering the top sides. The general pace of the women's game is marginally slower and at times there is a lack of physicality at the breakdown. Having said that, these factors can be put down to the men's game being fully professional. Hats off to all the teams, all the players at this World Cup, for the way they are playing the game, in such a professional way and yet none of them are professional players!! In terms of skill levels, intensity, excitement and try scoring, there are no differences at all.It is a pleasure and privilege to work on this tournament.
What do you make of Surrey Sports Park as a venue?
It is an amazing venue. It has state of the art facilities, which I know will be used as one of the premier training venues ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It provides an exceptional playing and training experience, it has been an ideal environment to prepare for the tournament. I know all the squads are staying on site in an "Olympic style village," which must been a great experience.
The spectators are experiencing a carnival atmosphere, with plenty going on. It reminds me of an IRB World Sevens event, lots of fun and world class sport to watch. I would pay good money myself to come and watch!
What team has impressed you most so far?
The Black Ferns without a doubt. The rugby they play is exceptional; they can play it tight and spread the ball wide. From their technical abilities to the "off the cuff" rugby, ALL the players look so comfortable on the ball. Their core skills are of the highest standard. They are ruthless not only in terms of scoring tries but also not allowing others to score against them. And all this with only seven test matches since the last Women's Rugby World Cup,
You only have to look at some of the tries they have scored to see what I mean.
What players have impressed you most so far?
There are so many!! Carla Hohepa, in fact the whole of the Black Ferns backline. Emma Jensen and Anna Richards and their control, Kelly Brazier and Huriana Manuel have a lovely understanding and Victoria Grant along with Carla are proven finishers. Canadians Mandy Marchak and Heather Moyse have been exciting, running in tries from anywhere! Lucy Millard has impressed in the Scotland midfield.
Australia's Tricia Brown scored a lovely try against Wales and has looked very assured at the back. Fiona Pocock has looked very sharp and reads the game very well. Her England team mates Maggie Alphonsi and the whole of the England back row. It has a delightful balance, Maggie lives up to her name "The Machine," Heather Fisher is raw power and the talismanic Catherine Spencer. Credit has to go to her and the mental strength she has shown through what has obviously been a very pressured time. Captain in a World Cup, on home soil, being one of the favourites; the media attention has been extensive and Catherine has coped with it brilliantly. Finally Fiao'o Fa'amausili, the Black Ferns hooker, technically very good and is a go to player when they play it tight popping up and scoring two tries already!
You’ve seen both England and New Zealand play – who looks in better form?
It is very difficult to say. England had a shaky start against Ireland but I think that was a build up of the last four years. They did find their rhythm, in the end and went on to bag the bonus point. Against Kazakhstan they did what they could and scored some great tries. Gary Street will be happy that everyone has had a run out.
The Black Ferns have not really been put under sustained, intense and structured pressure yet, in my opinion. South Africa were valiant, especially in the second half but really New Zealand had already won the game. Australia played a physical but loose game and like South Africa did not test New Zealand, where I think England would; at source.
It is a very close call. But I would have to say New Zealand; only because, so far, they have taken virtually EVERY opportunity that has come their way.
And who are the dark horses in your opinion?
I have to say Canada. I knew that they had a strong squad going in to this Women's Rugby World Cup and after their 7s exploits at the Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens, reaching the plate final and the confidence boosting wins over the USA in June; I knew that were in good shape. But they have impressed in every facet of the game, recording a maximum ten match points, and scoring seventy seven points in the process. Their game against France is now crucial, it is winner takes all!
Tell us about a typical day covering the pool games?
On the morning of the game it is a case of reading your commentary sheet and notes through, making sure you have all the pronunciations correct in your head. A little time is spent finishing off writing your words that are said over the team lists; then it is off to Guildford. In both rounds, I have arrived at the Surrey Sports Park, in time to watch the first round of games. I think it is important to have an overall perspective of the day/tournament and not just the game you are covering.
I will have a conversation with the producer to check timings, the way we are finishing both halves and any other relevant matters. The director and I would also talk, about the top of the broadcast, so they can marry their shots with my words. We would also converse about any other shots that we might want to talk about during the game -not many as you never know what is going to happen!
As the game draws near I would talk to my colour commentator, who in the first two pool games, has been the excellent Gill Burns. We will discuss the opening minutes of the commentary would be chatted about plus, the players, the personal head-to-heads within the match, the previous games; basically a sharing of ideas. Once the first broadcast game has finished, I will set up my commentary notes, make sure there is enough water available and most importantly check the sound box. In other words make sure I can hear the producer, director, director’s assistant and of course my colour commentator.
Once the game starts I turn the referee’s microphone up in my ears and adjust any levels I am not happy with. This can only, really be done once the game has kicked off. The last thing to do is check that Gill is ok and wish her luck for a “good call!!”
See the Sky Sports schedule for the Women's World Cup HERE
