Mexted returns for the World Cup

Murray Mexted. Photo / Supplied

Depending on which way you look at it, Kiwi audiences could either be winners or losers if Murray Mexted's colourful commentaries do not feature at the World Cup.

Mexted is in Sky TV's wider Cup commentary team but is likely to be unleashed on overseas audiences and non-All Black matches.

While it is unclear whether this is because of criticism he levelled at the New Zealand Rugby Union in 2009, Mexted said he was excited to be a part of a team that includes veteran caller Grant Nisbett, former All Black Grant Fox, cricketer Ian Smith, and Tony Johnston.

Also in Sky TV's mix are long-time Australian rugby commentator Gordon Bray, former Springbok lock Kobus Wiese and English first five-eights Stuart Barnes.

A number of ex-All Blacks including Justin Marshall, Matthew Cooper, Stu Wilson, Jon Preston and Richard Turner will also front for Sky.

Its director of sport, Kevin Cameron, said the host broadcaster would provide coverage for much of the global television audience - which the IRB expects to top four billion.

Meanwhile, TV3 was staying tight-lipped about who would front its commentary teams, although a source said former All Black captains Tana Umaga and Sean Fitzpatrick could have input. Alan Whetton and Andrew Mehrtens are understood to be lined up to join Hamish McKay and Jim Kayes.

TVNZ would also not confirm their line-up but an insider believes Keith Quinn and John McBeth are among the likely candidates. The Herald understands Buck Shelford and Glen Osborne will feature.

Mexted, who in 2009 was suspended from Sky over his stance against the NZRU's decision to cull teams from the Air NZ Cup competition, said, "I felt deeply about the game being fostered the width and breadth of the country.

"I thought culling the top competition from 14 teams to 10 would be a tragedy."

Sky TV has live satellite coverage of all 48 matches, while Maori TV will cover 16 games live and be the lead free-to-air broadcaster working in partnership with TVNZ and TV3.

MEXTEDISMS

* "If [North Harbour] want to win, they will have to score some points. One way of doing this would be to score a try."

* "I would not say he [Rico Gear] is the best left winger in the Super 14, but there are none better."

* "Andy Ellis - the 21-year-old who turned 22 a few weeks ago."

* "Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw."

* "Strangely, in slow-motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer."