I always liked Justin as a player, he typified the combative spirit of the All Blacks. I don't understand why people have been so negative about him over the years, he was an exceptional player in his prime. Jimmy Cowan is a lot like Justin with his own combative style but he gets a little hot headed sometimes.

I felt Justin's commentary during last years Northern Tour was excellent and I look forward to hearing him again behind the mike when the All Blacks start their season in June.

Agree with Peter #31 & Dob #23 and all the other positive comments.

Cheers Justin and good luck with the Sky Sport position.

I am a South African and cant believe that some NZ supporters think Mashall was just a average player.I rated him as brilliant in South Africa and better than Gregan and Joost in his prime.

good stuff #30

Justin Marshall is an articulate and incisive commentator and analyst, as well as being a great player. If you don't want him back home I'll have a word with the DG and sign him up for the BBC...

Fine player and a great servant of NZ Rugby. Thought he quit NZ rugby at the right time even if did not know then. Kept whining about how he shouild be picked over Porn Star.

However, have been very impressed with his efforts behind the mic to date. Knowledgable, intuiative and empathetic.

Re: Enough of the negative!! #6

I agree totally. All people in this country want to do is rubbish someone every chance they get. Both the punters and the media. I have met Justin on several occasions he was a pretty good bloke, even offering me his player allocated tickets for a Crusaders game in Cape Town one year when I was there. How many players would you see go that far for a fan.

Every player has their faults, even Carter, Wilkinson and Giteau – show me a player who doesn’t. Sure he didn’t have the snappiest pass but he sure made up for it in ball carrying, defence and competitiveness.

The guy was a great servant to the game and has just announced he has retired after 17 years and all everyone has to say is how crap they thought he was. 81 Tests and 24 Test tries. A lot of great All Blacks in any position have failed to break 20 tries. And here we go, we will get “cause he was greedy” now all over this column!! So predictable.

Such a typical negative attitude we have in this country. Every single time. Makes me sick. I have been all around the world and I have never come across so many haters towards their own like we have here…

This country needs to grow up. Get real people. Justin Marshall has made more of his life than all you sorry idiots that come on here to have a moan!!!

And just watch all the immature comments now about my post, just proves my point even further. If you hate New Zealand, and New Zealanders succeeding, then get on the plane to Aussie tomorrow, Bye, we don’t need you!!

Ewoks #27

Leave your sexist comments out of it.

Anyone would be better than Murray "Say-exactly-whats-happening-on-the-field" Mexted, "And now the payer is carrying the ball foward, and now hes is tackled" "heres come the lineout, and X has caught it and brought it down"

Does he commentate with the blind spectator in mind? We're watching rugby, we know whats happening Murray!!

To Susan #5, What do you know about good commentary? Stick to Desperate Housewives and Eastenders.

Tony Johnson is one of the most balance and impartial broadcasters in the media. He is a confidante of every major coach in the country and if that doesn't illustrate his quality and professionalism, nothing will.

Idiot.