Quinn and Zinzan possibles to call games for Maori TV

Keith Quinn had a simple response to the possibility of commentating on the Rugby World Cup for Maori TV: "I'm waiting by the phone."

Quinn will be 65 when the tournament kicks off, but told the Weekend Herald he would be happy to supplement his pension and take up the privilege of calling the games.

Quinn's name was cited this week as the type of talent Maori TV would call on to assemble a world-class commentary team should it win the free-to-air rights.

But while Quinn may be an expert on trivia, he cannot speak te reo, and would have to play a supporting role in the box to a lead presenter who could weave in the 5 to 10 per cent of Maori phrases Maori TV says its commentary in English will have.

The channel's current affairs host Julian Wilcox has the ability to switch seamlessly between both languages and could fit the bill.

He commentated on sports before becoming host of Native Affairs, and his passion for rugby dates back to his days at Te Aute College, the Maori boys school in Central Hawkes Bay. Wilcox declined to comment yesterday.

Zinzan Brooke could return home for the cup to be Maori TV's counterweight to fellow former All Black number 8 Murray Mexted on Sky.

Brooke has honed his commentary skills in Britain and has been rarely seen in New Zealand in recent years. He is universally respected as one of rugby's true statesmen.

Like Quinn, he would bring gravitas to the commentary team - as well as the benefit of Quinny/Zinny rhyming banter.

For those who do not like Brooke's smoother operator style, this role could be taken up by his old rival Buck Shelford.

The roving sideline role could be left to former World Cup fullback Glen Osborne, who has now taken up as a larrikin broadcaster on Maori Television's Code.

THE COMMENTARY BOX?
* Julian Wilcox - lead commentator.
* Keith Quinn - expert back-up.
* Brooke - one of game's greats.
* Glen Osborne - sideline.