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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.
1159 Articles
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
All Blacks assistant coach hints Lakai will play ahead of Dupont challenge
The All Blacks have set their sights on France and their superstar captain Antoine Dupont as they prepare for a rematch in Stade d…
Ben Smith
12 Nov 2024, 10:40
Interview
Where Will Jordan ranks the Ireland performance and his try scoring streak
The All Blacks 23-13 win over world number one Ireland could be a defining chapter for the Scott Robertson era and for starting fu…
Ben Smith
10 Nov 2024, 5:16
'Below the line': The cheap shot that sparked All Blacks captain Scott Barrett
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has revealed what exactly set him off in the first half against Ireland as tempers flared early i…
Ben Smith
09 Nov 2024, 6:01
Opinion
All Blacks player ratings vs Ireland | Autumn Nations Series
The All Blacks were able to grind out a 9-6 half-time lead over Ireland and go on to win 23-13 with Will Jordan coming up with New…
Ben Smith
08 Nov 2024, 16:11
'Easy fuel': All Blacks captain Scott Barrett puts a target on Ireland
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has put on a target on Ireland's number one world ranking ahead of Friday night's blockbuster cla…
Ben Smith
07 Nov 2024, 11:23
George Bell named in All Blacks team to face Ireland
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to face Ireland, mainly sticking to the starting line-up who beat England…
Ben Smith
06 Nov 2024, 10:13
Ex-All Blacks captain Kieran Read's prediction for Wallace Sititi
Former All Black captain Kieran Read has delivered his verdict on rising star Wallace Sititi and offered a prediction for Sam Cane…
Ben Smith
06 Nov 2024, 9:03
Ex-international says Ireland 'licking their lips' ahead of facing All Blacks
Former England scrumhalf Matt Dawson says that Ireland could be "licking their lips" at the prospect of facing the injury hit All …
Ben Smith
05 Nov 2024, 8:54
Opinion
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland
The All Blacks-Ireland rivalry has became the greatest of the last decade for New Zealand rugby, and perhaps the global game's sho…
Ben Smith
05 Nov 2024, 5:57
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors
The All Blacks three tries to one victory over England came with plenty of missed opportunities as errors and handling plagued the…
Ben Smith
04 Nov 2024, 0:29
All Blacks lose Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor for Ireland Test
The All Blacks have suffered casualties from yesterday's Test against England with first five Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Tay…
Ben Smith
03 Nov 2024, 4:04
All Blacks 'underestimated' Wallace Sititi as breakout year continues
The All Blacks breakout star Wallace Sititi announced his arrival in Europe with a barnstorming performance against England in the…
Ben Smith
03 Nov 2024, 2:31
Opinion
All Blacks player ratings vs England | Autumn Nations Series
The All Blacks pulled off a late comeback to snatch a 24-22 win at Allianz Stadium Twickenham after two missed George Ford kicks l…
Ben Smith
02 Nov 2024, 12:22
Scott Robertson explains why Beauden Barrett was selected ahead of McKenzie
Scott Robertson says the selection of Beauden Barrett at first five for the All Blacks against England is the best call "for this …
Ben Smith
01 Nov 2024, 6:34
All Blacks prop punished for breaking team protocol
All Blacks loosehead prop Ethan de Groot's omission from the team to face England at Twickenham is punishment for breaking team pr…
Ben Smith
01 Nov 2024, 3:43
Opinion
The current day Springboks who can realistically make it into the Hall of Fame
With the Springboks achieving back-to-back Rugby World Cups and building a successful 2024 season with a Rugby Championship, how m…
Ben Smith
14 Oct 2024, 21:36
'Don't talk to us about player safety': Manu Tuilagi's Top 14 debut controversy
England international Manu Tuilagi's debut for Bayonne in the Top 14 has caused a stir after a shot on La Rochelle's Gregory Alldr…
Ben Smith
13 Oct 2024, 21:01
Canterbury blast Tasman with record score in quarter-final
Canterbury have booked a ticket to the Bunnings NPC semi-finals after thrashing Tasman by a record score 62-14 in Blenheim.
Ben Smith
12 Oct 2024, 23:31
'Call a spade a spade': Sonny Bill Williams says current All Blacks don't like pressure
Former All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams says that the current day All Blacks team "don't like it" when faced with pressur…
Ben Smith
12 Oct 2024, 23:08
