For the first time, Stefan Etcheverry and Thomas Lombard commented on a French XV match on TF1. They agreed to debrief.
Every match of the XV of France on TF1, the same refrain, the same criticisms. For their first commentary on a prime time Blues match, the Stefan Etcheverry-Thomas Lombard duo did not escape the wrath of social networks. Before them, Christian Jean-Pierre during the 2011 and 2019 World Cups, then François Trillo and Benjamin Kayser in 2023, had suffered the same taunts. With more or less strong intensity. Nevertheless, French Rugby cannot help but orchestrate a “TF1 bashing”. “We were calm, focused and determined to respect these specifications which, for TF1, are to interest as many people as possible, underlines Stefan Etcheverry. We know that we are aimed at specialists but also and above all at the general public. We must therefore find the right balance to be sharp enough, so as not to cut ourselves off from viewers who do not necessarily know rugby. Our objective is also that at the end of the match, rugby is understood by as many people as possible. Our fight is there. And without giving a rugby lesson. »
“A commentator cannot achieve unanimity, resumes Thomas Lombard. We tried to be didactic, to be more in the explanation than in the analysis, to offer a more general public commentary. The subject of rugby rules is a point on which we must make an effort to popularize it. We focused a little on that. » And to illustrate his point with a specific example: “A statistic seemed interesting to me with this figure of 235 tackles for the French XV and only 105 for Japan. But does it speak to the general public? »
4.5 million viewers on average followed the meeting
However, both men know that areas for improvement are necessary. “We were perhaps a little rusty,” Lombard smiled. It takes us a little time to find the right balance. » Obviously, the idea is not to cast shame on two connoisseurs of this game. And for good reason. It's hard to blame this experienced duo for not knowing rugby. The first worked on Canal + for a long time and performed at a good level. The second was often cited as the best consultant at the time he worked on the encrypted channel. Together, they formed the second duo during the 2023 World Cup, during which they commentated on five matches. No doubt they will gain strength.
Above all, the audience scores live up to the expectations of TF1 managers. With an average of 4.5 million viewers for 26% market share, the meeting, unattractive on paper – the last ring of the closed Stade de France demonstrates – was attractive. “People still stayed throughout the meeting, adds Lombard. And the post-match magazine was followed by 1.3 million viewers. » Figures which should mechanically swell next weekend for the match against the All Blacks.
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