What has happened to the once-unstoppable Crusaders?
Up until the start of last month, the Crusaders looked set to cruise to a third straight and 10th overall title. But now, after fo…
Alex McLeod
04 Jun 2019, 18:55
Contributors
Alex McLeod
@alexmcleod891
RugbyPass writer based in Dunedin, NZ. Since first entering the media industry as a student at the Auckland University of Technology, Alex has written for media outlets across the country, including the New Zealand Herald and Otago Daily Times. Now covers all things All Blacks, Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup-related.
Does SANZAAR need to introduce extra-time into Super Rugby?
With the excessive number of draws that have played out in Super Rugby this year, is it time to bring in extra-time into regular s…
Alex McLeod
09 Jun 2019, 18:41
Solving the play-off puzzle: The permutations for your team's Super Rugby quarter-final hopes
In a bid to clarify what needs to happen in order for your side to qualify for the post-season, here are the permutations for each…
Alex McLeod
10 Jun 2019, 3:38
How Beauden Barrett signing for the Blues could impact not just the Hurricanes, but the entire New Zealand conference
Speculation might be rife about Beauden Barrett making a potential shock move from the Hurricanes to the Blues, but the Wellington…
Alex McLeod
12 Jun 2019, 0:27
From Otago reject to World Cup hopeful: The secret behind Brad Weber's stellar season
In 2013, Brad Weber was dropped from the Otago squad for an up-and-coming teenager. Two years later, he became an All Black. In th…
Alex McLeod
14 Jun 2019, 22:49
The final ride for Highlanders cult hero Marty Banks
A fortuitous quarter-final berth has handed departing Highlanders first-five Marty Banks at least one more week with the club of w…
Alex McLeod
17 Jun 2019, 22:38
The piece of ill-discipline that the All Blacks need to eradicate before the World Cup
Liam Squire is an integral member of the Highlanders and All Blacks, but there's something he should look to work on if New Zealan…
Alex McLeod
25 Jun 2019, 2:19
NRL star Solomone Kata tipped for code switch to union
He may have just switched clubs within rugby league, but NRL star Solomone Kata is expected to soon be playing rugby union.
Alex McLeod
27 Jun 2019, 22:11
Why the All Blacks were better equipped for the World Cup four years ago than they are now
If this current squad are to make it a hat-trick of world titles, one would hope that Steve Hansen's 39-man squad would be on par,…
Alex McLeod
05 Jul 2019, 1:14
Ben Smith ruled out for remainder of Super Rugby regular season
Highlanders co-captain and star fullback Ben Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby regular season due to a…
Alex McLeod
06 May 2019, 23:10
Six Super Rugby takeaways with six weeks to go
With just six rounds left to play in the regular season of Super Rugby, here are six takeaways from the week that was as we narrow…
Alex McLeod
06 May 2019, 2:16
Dunner Stunner: Desperate Chiefs hold resurgent Highlanders to scintillating draw in Dunedin
The Highlanders have blown a 16-point lead, allowing the Chiefs to salvage a 31-all draw in a scintillating affair at Forsyth Barr…
Alex McLeod
04 May 2019, 7:01
Do the Chiefs and Highlanders have the most competitive Kiwi rivalry in Super Rugby?
Much has been made of the significance of inter-conference derbies, especially in New Zealand, since the conference system was int…
Alex McLeod
01 May 2019, 2:11
From Uganda to the All Blacks: The problem facing Tier Two World Cup nations
Every World Cup provides tier two nations the chance to test themselves against elite tier one opposition, but some tier two natio…
Alex McLeod
26 Apr 2019, 1:31
If not a first-five, then who will replace McKenzie in the All Blacks?
All Blacks selector Grant Fox has recently revealed that the All Blacks are willing to travel to the World Cup without a third spe…
Alex McLeod
23 Apr 2019, 1:43
'Extremely proud' - How the Highlanders snapped their Super Rugby losing streak
After almost two months without victory, the Highlanders have captured just their third win of the Super Rugby campaign against th…
Alex McLeod
20 Apr 2019, 21:18
Mission Impossible: Who will replace Ben Smith at the Highlanders next year?
It could be Mission Impossible trying to replace Ben Smith at the Highlanders, but there are many options on the table for the Dun…
Alex McLeod
18 Apr 2019, 0:39
The man to replace Damian McKenzie in the All Blacks' World Cup squad
The injury-enforced absence of Damian McKenzie at this year's World Cup could leave the All Blacks in a selection hole at first-fi…
Alex McLeod
16 Apr 2019, 1:24
Past the point of no return: Where to next for Israel Folau and Rugby Australia?
The events of the past 48 hours have significantly impacted Israel Folau, the Wallabies, and Rugby Australia. So, where do they go…
Alex McLeod
12 Apr 2019, 0:31
The South Island derby: The stage is set for next edition of one of Super Rugby's premier rivalries
The scene will be set for one of Super Rugby's most eagerly anticipated fixtures when the Crusaders and Highlanders take to the fi…
Alex McLeod
10 Apr 2019, 1:51
'It's gutting, it's tough going' - Highlanders look to Crusaders clash as they fall to fourth straight defeat
By the time the Highlanders face the Crusaders in Christchurch next Friday, they will be closing in on a two-month winless run in …
Alex McLeod
05 Apr 2019, 23:03
From schoolboy supremo to World Cup star: The best three moments of Israel Dagg's career
It can't be refuted that he hasn't left his mark on the game, and the dazzling memories of three key moments will forever act as r…
Alex McLeod
05 Apr 2019, 18:40
'We're absolutely gutted for him' - How Waisake Naholo and the Highlanders intend to bounce back
Injured All Blacks and Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo has a big job ahead of him when he returns to full fitness in six weeks' ti…
Alex McLeod
02 Apr 2019, 22:02
'We got a couple of offers, and one was pretty close' - The reason that kept Aaron Smith from moving to Japan
Star All Blacks halfback said it was an easy decision to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby, but has revealed he weighed up a signific…
Alex McLeod
31 Mar 2019, 21:30
The competition that could put the World League debate to bed
The congregation of leading executives within the global rugby fraternity to negotiate details for the much-maligned World Rugby N…
Alex McLeod
28 Mar 2019, 23:50
All Blacks World Cup bolters: The young guns that could set Japan alight
As we close in on the halfway stage of Super Rugby, we profile four potential All Blacks bolters who could make the World Cup squa…
Alex McLeod
26 Mar 2019, 21:13
Back where he belongs: Why Damian McKenzie needs to stay at fullback
Damian McKenzie's switch from first-five to fullback has had an undeniably positive impact on the Chiefs in recent weeks, and if t…
Alex McLeod
25 Mar 2019, 22:54
Seven test stars that could light up the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
With Israel Folau stating his intentions of playing for the Australian sevens side at the Tokyo Olympics next year, we've conjured…
Alex McLeod
22 Mar 2019, 22:14
Changing of the guard: Have the All Blacks found their new star blindside flanker?
Heading into 2019, Liam Squire was New Zealand's premier blindside flanker. However, after just three rounds of Super Rugby, Shann…
Alex McLeod
07 Mar 2019, 22:32
'Not too dissimilar to Brian Lima' - Highlanders to unleash blockbusting young midfielder on Hurricanes
The Highlanders have welcomed back their key All Blacks after last week's resting period, but they are set to unleash a heavy-hitt…
Alex McLeod
05 Mar 2019, 22:33
The Pacific Islanders team that could dominate the World League
The Pacific nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have been at the forefront of concerns surrounding their omission from the proposed W…
Alex McLeod
01 Mar 2019, 21:51
'Exciting team, isn't it?' - Highlanders rely on youth as Rebels boosted by returning Wallabies
The Highlanders have named an inexperienced side as they prepare to face a strong Rebels outfit in what's expected to be an enthra…
Alex McLeod
26 Feb 2019, 21:37
Improvements needed for Highlanders following Reds scare
The Highlanders had to dig much deeper than what many expected as they came from behind to secure victory for a second week runnin…
Alex McLeod
22 Feb 2019, 18:53
Aaron Mauger loads up on All Blacks for 'transformed' Reds team
The Highlanders will have nine All Blacks out in force for their clash against the Reds this weekend, but head coach Aaron Mauger …
Alex McLeod
20 Feb 2019, 18:47
It's not all about the money: A warning for European-bound All Blacks
Unstable off-field environments and diminishing on-field success a common theme at these clubs that the likes of Milner-Skudder, N…
Alex McLeod
19 Feb 2019, 21:31
Leon McDonald and the Blues looking to flick a switch - Super Rugby Preview 2019
It's been a difficult few years for Blues supporters, but can the addition of a new head coach, who has the capacity to instil a s…
Alex McLeod
14 Feb 2019, 19:41
New era of success beckons for Highlanders
Every golden era must come to an end, and one of the challenges facing second-year coach Mauger is that the Highlanders look to be…
Alex McLeod
13 Feb 2019, 22:29
Waratahs out to keep playoffs record intact - Super Rugby 2019 Preview
The Waratahs have, on average, made the play-offs once every two years since their first semi-final appearance in 2002. With a rec…
Alex McLeod
12 Feb 2019, 0:50
Can the Crusaders make it a three-peat? - Super Rugby 2019 Preview
It’s difficult to envisage another team denying the Crusaders a second-ever three-peat, not when they have got such an array of …
Alex McLeod
11 Feb 2019, 23:15
Can the Rebels break their play-off duck? - Super Rugby 2019 Preview
The Melbourne Rebels have gone from relegation candidates to play-off contenders in the space of a year. With some added experienc…
Alex McLeod
10 Feb 2019, 21:04
'He's the perfect guy' - Teammates rejoice return of Highlanders cult hero
With ongoing change evident at the Highlanders leading into the 2019 Super Rugby season, the change of focus in training and the r…
Alex McLeod
05 Feb 2019, 0:08
10 bold predictions for 2019
Alex McLeod has brainstormed 10 World Cup-related predictions eight months out from the showpiece event's kick-off.
Alex McLeod
16 Jan 2019, 17:31
The Next Nehe Part Three: Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
For All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, the make-up of his 31-man squad for the sport’s global showpiece event in Japan will, fo…
Alex McLeod
01 Dec 2018, 18:59
The Next Nehe Part Two: Crusaders fullback Will Jordan
As proven by the All Blacks in the last World Cup cycle, there is always room for a few late applications in the final few months …
Alex McLeod
30 Nov 2018, 18:22
The next Nehe: Who will use 2019 to bolt into the World Cup frame?
As proven by the All Blacks in the last World Cup cycle, there is always room for a few late applications in the final few months …
Alex McLeod
29 Nov 2018, 19:59
Make or break: How many new faces will make the All Blacks end-of-year squad?
With up to 51 players to be used on the All Blacks' tour to Asia and Europe, fans can anticipate a huge influx of raw talent to do…
Alex McLeod
14 Oct 2018, 16:49
Mitre 10 Cup Power Rankings - Week 4
Alex McLeod returns to reflect on who improved and who regressed over the past fortnight of Mitre 10 Cup rugby.
Alex McLeod
11 Sep 2018, 19:58
Mitre 10 Cup Power Rankings - Week Two
There were some tightly-contested affairs, and some downright demolitions, so check out who ranks where in New Zealand’s premier…
Alex McLeod
28 Aug 2018, 17:04
Mitre 10 Cup Power Rankings - Week One
Throughout the campaign, we will rank each team on a weekly basis based on their performances to provide a power rankings structur…
Alex McLeod
21 Aug 2018, 2:58
Make or break: Who will make the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad?
Alex McLeod takes a look at the likely contenders for Steve Hansen's All Black squad.
Alex McLeod
05 Aug 2018, 15:41
Filling the void: Five players that could replace Lima Sopoaga
With Lima Sopoaga heading overseas in 2019, we scanned over a few players that might fit the bill to become his successor down sou…
Alex McLeod
02 Aug 2018, 18:34
Super Rugby Team of the Season
With the regular season of Super Rugby over and done with, it is now time to not only get excited for the commencement of the play…
Alex McLeod
20 Jul 2018, 20:45
Union's answer to State of Origin: Why the North v South game needs to come back
2018’s opening chapter of rugby league’s State of Origin in Australia was one that caught the eye of many rugby union follower…
Alex McLeod
20 Jun 2018, 21:56
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 16
A reduction in teams didn’t result in the reduction of quality though, as some cracking encounters – such as the Highlanders 
Alex McLeod
05 Jun 2018, 1:04
Make or break: A look at the first All Blacks squad of 2018
Some big names are set to miss out against France next month.
Alex McLeod
18 May 2018, 18:23
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 13
Week 13 of Super Rugby provided us with one of the craziest batches of rugby we have seen all year.
Alex McLeod
16 May 2018, 23:52
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 12
The weekend’s most recent edition of Super Rugby opened and ended with upsets, as both the Jaguares and Sharks posted unexpected…
Alex McLeod
07 May 2018, 22:07
Would a Super Rugby draft work?
After the passing of the 2018 NFL Draft, Alex McLeod explores how the concept would affect Super Rugby.
Alex McLeod
05 May 2018, 0:48
Super Rugby Team of the Week – Round 11
Another round of Super Rugby has drawn to a close and Alex McLeod is back with his Team of the Week.
Alex McLeod
30 Apr 2018, 1:30
Super Rugby Team of the Week – Round 10
Another round of Super Rugby has drawn to a close and Alex McLeod is back with his Team of the Week, which is somewhat Kiwi-Lite w…
Alex McLeod
23 Apr 2018, 20:02
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 9
Another round of Super Rugby has drawn to a close, which means it’s now time for Alex McLeod to run through his Super Rugby Team…
Alex McLeod
18 Apr 2018, 2:56
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 8
After a week off, Alex McLeod returns to run you through his next edition of the Super Rugby Team of the Week.
Alex McLeod
12 Apr 2018, 0:23
Super Rugby Team of the Week – Round Six
Big wins for the Hurricanes, Jaguares, Rebels, Crusaders and Chiefs in Round 6, how many from each team made the team of the week?…
Alex McLeod
27 Mar 2018, 18:48
The next All Blacks bolter?
Every year, huge intrigue surrounds the announcement of the All Blacks squad ahead of the June test window. Alex McLeod identifies…
Alex McLeod
22 Mar 2018, 22:05
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 5
With all seven matches completed, it’s now time for Alex McLeod to run through his Super Rugby Team of the Week.
Alex McLeod
21 Mar 2018, 1:44
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 4
Round four of Super Rugby has come to a close, with all seven matches completed, it’s now time to run through the Super Rugby te…
Alex McLeod
13 Mar 2018, 17:10
A closer look at NZR's Harlequins partnership
When New Zealand Rugby and Harlequins announced they had formed a unique agreement, new grounds within the realm of rugby had been…
Alex McLeod
09 Mar 2018, 18:43
Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round Three
Round three of the 2018 Super Rugby season has drawn to a close, and a variety of players stood out amongst the crowd with some po…
Alex McLeod
04 Mar 2018, 17:06
Rugby league converts - The good, the bad and the ugly
We take a look at some of the rugby league players who have dabbled in union, and judge whether their careers in the 15-man sport …
Alex McLeod
02 Mar 2018, 16:30
