Why are commentators, reporters and pundits so mealy-mouthed?

Generally the mass of visual and radio rugby reporters are consistently uncritical of anything that challenges the establishment of Laws, protocols and received values of the game.

With the notable exception of Moore (and possibly the soon to be defunct ESPN rugby associates), there is a level of uncritical compliance with Laws, law enforcement, competition rules, and most importantly a sense of personal opinion which strays even minimally from their employers' contractual need to conserve a level of self-seeking deference. Is there an editorial dictat in place?

It's a relief to note this disposition this is not generally (thankfully) reflected in the mainstream of journalism/comment.

? I there a particular issue that has brought this up?

Because the rugby coverage they are part of is a product and it is considered their job to promote the product. Especially with Sky.

In Ireland there are two notable agents (Ryan Constable and Frankie Sheahan) who are payed by broadcasters to comment on games featuring a lot of their clients! BBC NI and RTE have a lot to answer for on that front.

SecretFly wrote:? I there a particular issue that has brought this up?

Nothing in particular Fly. It's just the general level of unremitting compliance.

The fact that referees apply that certain Laws are ignored by referees.

The fact that referees are interpreted and sanctioned by the IRB by referees which conflict with their own laws.

The fact that referees almost never come into serious scrutiny (even though they inevitably dictate all close games).

The fact that referees apply that certain Laws are ignored by referees.

No discussion of competition rules. Just absolute acceptance.

Etc.

Nothing fundamental ever seems to be discussed or even alluded to.

Who was that commentator from thee RWC 2011 who was absolutely livid over Warburton's card

"He's given him a red card for that!? For that tackle!?"

I was so livid over the ITV coverage of that match I resorted to badgering the editor about it and submitted a formal complaint to the telly ombudsman.

But of course ITV is not covered by them and was left to deal with the usual slipperiness of the corporate blanking.

Unremarkably, apart from Dayglo, the issue about the issue was uncritical and Steve Rider's incompetence was never addressed.

That's part of my hideous, accumulated frustrations.