Feel the force: rugby according to Jedi
JED Thian, known as Jedi, provides alternative rugby commentary for those who want a light-hearted take on a tournament that’s being taken very seriously.
He sits on the microphone at The Green Man pub, where half the screens are set up to show the game with its usual commentary, and half are set up with his voice over the top.
“Me drinking on the microphone for 80 minutes might be considered performance art,” he says.
A comedian and former rugby player, Jedi commentates live at the pub, which screens all the Cup games.
“Since 2005 The Alternative Rugby Commentary, which was started for two very important reasons, firstly to save the rugby universe, second to conquer the world, has been the lone voice in the rugby universe calling for a change to things, but the powers of the rugby world paid no heed to rules of the rugby universe, as a result the rugby Gods chose to bless one person with the powers of ‘The Ball,’” says Jedi.
After he began the ARC, “the reaction from the public was a deep, relieving sigh, as rugby had become fun for everyone, not just the short pants wearing, hairy arse schoolboy brigade,” explains Jedi, who is backing the All Blacks, but who has picked Japan as his second team.
His picks for our main competitors, South Africa and Australia?
“Age Concern is an issue I believe in. The Springboks is turning into a retirement home as far as I can tell.”
And his response is similar when asked about Martin Snedden’s comment that Australia is the team to beat.
“Martin Snedden is a cricketer – move on. Australia is on the way out. They’ll get beaten by England,” Jedi reckons.
A memorable moment in the tournament for Jedi was the streaker at the Argentina/England game in Dunedin.
I’m not condoning streaking, though nudity I do condone. I’m not condoning abstaining: I think we should all get amongst it. But I think England should pick that streaker for their Sevens squad. He was so fast, he gave Johnny Wilkinson the finger then he just went for it,” he laughs.
The Green Man Pub, cnr Victoria Street and Willeston Street.
He sits on the microphone at The Green Man pub, where half the screens are set up to show the game with its usual commentary, and half are set up with his voice over the top.
“Me drinking on the microphone for 80 minutes might be considered performance art,” he says.
A comedian and former rugby player, Jedi commentates live at the pub, which screens all the Cup games.
“Since 2005 The Alternative Rugby Commentary, which was started for two very important reasons, firstly to save the rugby universe, second to conquer the world, has been the lone voice in the rugby universe calling for a change to things, but the powers of the rugby world paid no heed to rules of the rugby universe, as a result the rugby Gods chose to bless one person with the powers of ‘The Ball,’” says Jedi.
After he began the ARC, “the reaction from the public was a deep, relieving sigh, as rugby had become fun for everyone, not just the short pants wearing, hairy arse schoolboy brigade,” explains Jedi, who is backing the All Blacks, but who has picked Japan as his second team.
His picks for our main competitors, South Africa and Australia?
“Age Concern is an issue I believe in. The Springboks is turning into a retirement home as far as I can tell.”
And his response is similar when asked about Martin Snedden’s comment that Australia is the team to beat.
“Martin Snedden is a cricketer – move on. Australia is on the way out. They’ll get beaten by England,” Jedi reckons.
A memorable moment in the tournament for Jedi was the streaker at the Argentina/England game in Dunedin.
I’m not condoning streaking, though nudity I do condone. I’m not condoning abstaining: I think we should all get amongst it. But I think England should pick that streaker for their Sevens squad. He was so fast, he gave Johnny Wilkinson the finger then he just went for it,” he laughs.
The Green Man Pub, cnr Victoria Street and Willeston Street.
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