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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.
1178 Articles
Watch: New Zealand prodigy Oli Mathis scores bizarre try after referee dropped
New Zealand's latest prodigy 19-year-old Oli Mathis showed off an unconventional move to beat France for a try in Cape Town.
Ben Smith
07 Dec 2024, 16:54
Watch: All Blacks Sevens destroyed by France's 'new' 6'5 Antoine
The All Blacks Sevens have been crushed 47-15 by Olympic champions France which ended their semi-final hopes in Cape Town in the s…
Ben Smith
07 Dec 2024, 15:53
Everyone is saying the same thing about Fraser McReight
Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight has drawn comparisons to an all-time great after the 22-19 loss to Ireland where he produced a s…
Ben Smith
02 Dec 2024, 18:08
'What are they doing?!': Six Nations rebrand panned on X
The Guinness Six Nations became the latest rugby brand to revamp itself with a "supercharged" orange identity ahead of the 2025 ca…
Ben Smith
30 Nov 2024, 22:22
'A lot of dumb rugby': Wallabies' Joseph Suaalii tactics against Ireland slammed
Irish TV pundit and ex-Scotland coach Matt Williams was left stunned at the Wallabies game plan against Ireland which reduced Jose…
Ben Smith
30 Nov 2024, 17:51
Ex-Ireland players left disappointed after 'unsatisfactory' Autumn Nations series
Ireland's 22-19 win over the Wallabies to end the November Autumn campaign has left an "unfulfilling" taste.
Ben Smith
30 Nov 2024, 16:20
Ex-All Black great says 'sabbaticals' headed for scrapheap after lacklustre results
The sabbatical clause for top tier All Blacks are ready to be scraped according to Sir John Kirwan after lacklustre results at the…
Ben Smith
27 Nov 2024, 15:54
'Scratching our heads': NZ pundit urges All Blacks to follow South Africa's model
New Zealand commentator Scott Stevenson has backed calls for scraping the eligibility rules on All Blacks selection, stating that …
Ben Smith
27 Nov 2024, 14:55
Opinion
The All Blacks don't need overseas-based players
Time and time again players rise through the New Zealand system out of nowhere and explode onto the world stage.
Ben Smith
26 Nov 2024, 21:47
'Single handedly carried that team': Ex-All Black questions Damian McKenzie's selection in world XV
Former All Black fullback Israel Dagg has questioned the selection of Damian McKenzie in the dream 15 international team of the ye…
Ben Smith
25 Nov 2024, 18:51
Opinion
Men's 15s World Player of the Year was only a two horse race
There were only two real possibilities for men's 15s World Rugby Player of the Year after the shortlist of four were named. It was…
Ben Smith
24 Nov 2024, 18:32
TJ Perenara clarifies reference to the Treaty in All Blacks' Haka
Departing All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara has clarified the reference to the Treaty in the Haka before playing Italy, emphasizing …
Ben Smith
23 Nov 2024, 20:09
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability
Scott Roberton admitted the All Blacks' mindset was "slightly off" as a resolute Italian side rose to the challenge in Turin to pu…
Ben Smith
23 Nov 2024, 17:10
Opinion
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series
After a scrappy first half the All Blacks held a 17-6 lead after tries to halfback Cam Roigard and fullback Will Jordan in Turin.
Ben Smith
23 Nov 2024, 16:11
Opinion
Let's be real about these All Blacks
The only losses so far under new coach Scott Robertson are one at home unexpectedly to Argentina, two away to South Africa and now…
Ben Smith
20 Nov 2024, 21:12
Opinion
All Blacks player ratings vs France | Autumn Nations Series
The All Blacks built a half-time lead of 17-10 after tries to Peter Lakai and Cam Roigard, before France equalled proceedings earl…
Ben Smith
16 Nov 2024, 16:13
Scott Robertson explains the new halves pairing for the All Blacks ahead of France
Finau and Reece were forced changes as Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a suffered injuries, but the elevation of Roigard a chance to see mo…
Ben Smith
14 Nov 2024, 7:31
Veterans return for All Blacks as team to play France named
The All Blacks have named their team to face France with veterans Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett returning after missing the Ire…
Ben Smith
14 Nov 2024, 5:38
Hurricanes coach explains snubbing of top France-eligible lock prospect
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has moved to allay concerns about New Zealand losing French-eligible lock Patrick Tuifua.
Ben Smith
13 Nov 2024, 7:08
Opinion
Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next
Antoine Dupont has a rare, favourable record over the All Blacks in his career with two wins from three Test matches, all of which…
Ben Smith
13 Nov 2024, 6:25
