7. Jonathan Davies
The BBC’s chief Welsh rugby expert is normally quite calm and measured in his analysis. Except, of course, when it comes to Italy’s Mirco Bergamasco, who he considers “absolutely ridiculous” and a “clown”.
YouTube credit: LasGarzas11
6. Jeremy Guscott
Unlike some pundits, Guscott stands out for his willingness to offer honest and insightful criticisms of players. Still though, it’s a far cry from his Gladiators days, when he provoked the ire of Wolf and prompted snarky remarks from commentators (“that’s the fastest Jeremy’s moved all season”).
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5. Keith Wood
Great players often don’t make great pundits, and vice-versa, but Keith Wood is one of the few exceptions to the rule.
YouTube credit: Conor Ryan
4. Shane Horgan
Horgan has provided some much-needed freshness to the RTE panel. His technical knowledge and deep familiarity with modern rugby render him an asset to the station, and help him stand out from the three wise men.
YouTube credit: rte
3. Brent Pope
Rendered silent by the overly loquacious George Hook if Apres Match were to be believed, in truth, Brent Pope provides a welcome balance to the incendiary thoughts of his more provocative colleague. The two consequently serve as an effective yin-and-yang-style double-act, as a result of this contrast.
YouTube credit: georgehooktv
2. Conor O’Shea
Not only is he one of the sport’s most intelligent voices, but crucially, unlike the majority of his colleagues, he also happens to be operating in a coaching capacity at the top of the sport, and has enjoyed considerable success in his still relatively brief time as Director of Rugby at Harlequins.
YouTube credit: RugbyMedia
1. George Hook
At this stage, Hook has slagged off pretty much every noteworthy rugby player in the world. However, who says you always have to be right to make a good pundit? Hook’s analysis is consistently passionate, honest and entertaining, and that’s all rugby fans can ask for essentially. Moreover, despite effectively being rugby’s answer to Eamon Dunphy, he doesn’t really seem to like his fellow RTE sports analyst.
YouTube credit: rte
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