The scene is set and the tension is rising in the majestic sports arena. The crowd of 80,000 expectant fans noisily anticipate the arrival of their heroes on to the field of play. With an explosion of loud and colourful fireworks the teams make their way on to the pitch and the decibels rise to another level. The players slap each other on the back, place a comforting hand on the shoulder of an inexperienced colleague or maybe kick a ball to ease their own nerves.

The referee calls the teams to attention and the military band begins to play the national anthems. The players link arms with their comrades and lustily belt out the lyrics to the well-known tunes. The crowd join in and the whole arena is awash with the anticipation and tension that always precedes such an important fixture. No sooner have they started than the bands are finished and leave the pitch to the players who now focus on what lies before them. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife as the teams turn their attention to their opposition.

The contest is a mere minute away and everybody in the stadium and the millions in front of their television screens in homes, bars and sports clubs throughout the land settle down for one of the most eagerly awaited contests in the sporting calendar.

And then…….and then the scene cuts to an advertisement for a Renault or was it a Citroen, a Ford? Who gives a damn? What the hell is this? We’re psyched up for a game of international rugby and we have to watch this garbage. Oh look, now it’s an advertisement for a bank or building society or whatever.

What has happened to the BBC? Why have they allowed commercial television to get hold of so many sports that for so long were their exclusive domain? Yes, it happened to football a long time ago but rugby, surely not? Surely yes, it’s all about money these days and nothing else matters. This is the modern world and I wish it wasn’t.