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Ben Smith
@bensmithrugby
A former financial analyst & auditor in retail banking, Ben is a columnist at RugbyPass specialising in opinion-based analysis, breaking down rugby as he sees it, to uncover what professional teams are trying to do around the world.
1109 Articles
Latest
1 day ago The Rugby Championship
Two props called into All Blacks
4 days ago The Rugby Championship
Don't blame Super Rugby for All Blacks' woes
6 days ago The Rugby Championship
Use of the bench hanging over All Blacks
6 days ago The Rugby Championship
Angus Ta'avao on current state of the All Blacks
'It's not an impact as an eight': Ex-All Blacks address Ardie Savea's form
Reigning World Player of the Year Ardie Savea has returned to the All Blacks following a season in Japan but hasn't been able to r…
Ben Smith
09 Sep 2024, 20:24
Moana Pasifika sign former Hurricanes first five-eighth
Moana Pasifika have signed Wellington Lions and former Hurricanes first five-eighth Jackson Garden-Bachop for the 2025 season.
Ben Smith
08 Sep 2024, 22:29
Opinion
The good news for the All Blacks
South Africa completed a 2-0 home sweep over the All Blacks with a six-point win in Cape Town, adding to their four-point win in J…
Ben Smith
08 Sep 2024, 18:24
Opinion
Wallabies player ratings vs Argentina | The Rugby Championship
The Wallabies and Los Pumas ran freely in the sunshine in Santa Fe, Argentina as the dry track invited an entertaining style of ga…
Ben Smith
07 Sep 2024, 17:40
Opinion
Springboks-All Blacks takes: Double banking dishonesty, Fassi the weak link, undercooked selections
The All Blacks let a crucial victory against the Springboks slip away in the final quarter despite holding a 27-17 lead, with a ye…
Ben Smith
04 Sep 2024, 17:18
'We'll see what happens': USA looking to do 'big things' against Eddie Jones' Japan
Japan laid down a marker in the opening round of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup when they demolished Canada by 55-28 in B…
Ben Smith
03 Sep 2024, 22:27
Springboks-All Blacks tours agreed to place Rugby Championship in doubt
A new touring proposal between South Africa and New Zealand has been agreed between the two unions according to a report, with con…
Ben Smith
03 Sep 2024, 19:12
'Picked on weaker players': USA Eagles' successful game plan for Canada
The USA Eagles got off to the perfect start in their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a 28-15 victory over Canada…
Ben Smith
02 Sep 2024, 22:33
Opinion
USA player ratings vs Canada | Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup round two
The USA Eagles produced a 28-15 win over a spirited Canada side in their opening game of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup i…
Ben Smith
01 Sep 2024, 1:48
Wallabies player ratings vs Argentina | The Rugby Championship
The Wallabies met Argentina in cold and wet conditions at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi and came away with a 20-19 win.
Ben Smith
31 Aug 2024, 19:52
'Straight out lie': New Zealand commentator blasts Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus
New Zealand rugby commentator and personality Scotty Stevenson has sensationally taken aim at Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus…
Ben Smith
30 Aug 2024, 21:33
Opinion
Now that the niceties are over, it's time to give the Springboks their medicine
Now that the niceties are over, the press conferences with next-to-no headlines as a result of the public grandstanding, it's time…
Ben Smith
29 Aug 2024, 21:05
Wallabies name new captain as Hamish Stewart set for debut
The Wallabies have named Queensland Reds No 8 Harry Wilson their new captain to lead the side against Argentina in La Plata.
Ben Smith
29 Aug 2024, 16:38
Everything you need to know about Pacific Nations Cup round two
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup round two, available to watch on RugbyPass TV in c…
Ben Smith
29 Aug 2024, 15:54
Canada team to play USA in Pacific Nations Cup clash
Head Coach Kingsley Jones has named the Canada team to take on USA at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles as they look to re…
Ben Smith
29 Aug 2024, 15:41
Scott Robertson's high praise for Tupou Vaa'i and the vital role he's taken over
In the absence of captain Scott Barrett and the injured Patrick Tuipulotu, the All Blacks were forced to call upon their trio of y…
Ben Smith
20 Aug 2024, 23:44
Opinion
Where the Springboks are weak
For the Springboks who have started their Rugby Championship 2-0 with back-to-back victories in Australia, the cracks have been pa…
Ben Smith
19 Aug 2024, 22:32
TJ Perenara explains how the All Blacks exploited new law against Argentina
All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara has revealed how the All Blacks used the new law around protecting the No 9 to target Argentina at…
Ben Smith
18 Aug 2024, 19:04
Scott Robertson provides All Blacks injury update ahead of South Africa tour
The All Blacks are sweating on the fitness of three players ahead of their South Africa tour according to head coach Scott Roberts…
Ben Smith
18 Aug 2024, 0:05
'I don't think it's brave': Scott Robertson on Rassie Erasmus ahead of Springboks tour
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson isn't prepared to get involved in mind games with Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus ahead…
Ben Smith
17 Aug 2024, 20:48
