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sevens-men
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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.
1235 Articles
Japan's proposed anti-diverse 'blood' eligibility law after foreign player influx
A bombshell report on a planned change to eligibility in the Japan Rugby League One is set to to have ripple effects across rugby …
Ben Smith
23 Apr 2025, 17:37
Highlanders battle injuries ahead of Crusaders clash
The Highlanders have been hit with the loss of two wingers, their prop, and captain Hugh Renton as they prepare to host the Crusad…
Ben Smith
23 Apr 2025, 0:28
Crusaders name rookie loose forward to start against the Highlanders
The Crusaders have made a back row re-shuffle for their trip to face the Highlanders as they look to continue their hot form after…
Ben Smith
23 Apr 2025, 0:17
Opinion
Wallabies-All Blacks is not the only option for an ANZAC day fixture
While a Bledisloe clash is dead in the water, it's not the only option available to fill ANZAC day with some representative rugby …
Ben Smith
21 Apr 2025, 23:06
Opinion
Mark Tele'a made the right call but the All Blacks won't suffer
Mark Tele'a made the right call by signing a deal in Japan effectively ending his time in the black jersey and with the Blues.
Ben Smith
15 Apr 2025, 0:27
Kenya and Portugal crowned HSBC SVNS Challenger champions as LA fate looms
Kenya and Portugal have been crowned champions of the HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025 following the third leg of the series in Krakow,…
Ben Smith
13 Apr 2025, 0:26
Opinion
Super Rugby Pacific takes: Cake Tin needs to be demo'd, Australian dominance deserved
The Blues continued their salvage mission against Moana Pasifika while the Australian sides took four of the top six spots on the …
Ben Smith
12 Apr 2025, 23:49
Blues roll out big guns for Moana on double header night
The Blues have named a strong starting line-up with nine All Blacks for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash with rivals Moana P…
Ben Smith
09 Apr 2025, 2:22
Surprise position switch for Sevu Reece as Crusaders prepare for Drua
All Black and Crusaders winger Sevu Reece will line up in the midfield for the first time in his Super Rugby career when the Crusa…
Ben Smith
01 Apr 2025, 23:42
Shaun Stevenson to play 100th for Chiefs in top of the table clash
Chiefs star Shaun Stevenson will bring up his 100th Super cap for the club when he dons the No.15 this Friday night for the top of…
Ben Smith
01 Apr 2025, 23:17
Damian McKenzie signs long-term deal with NZR
NZR has announced the re-signing of All Blacks first five-eighth Damian McKenzie on a four-year deal until the end of 2029.
Ben Smith
30 Mar 2025, 18:48
Opinion
Five reasons why Super Rugby Pacific is enjoying it's best season in forever
Credit where credit is due, here are the reasons why Super Rugby Pacific has got itself off the canvas and is heading in the right…
Ben Smith
19 Mar 2025, 23:33
Front row refresh for the Chiefs to face Moana Pasifika
The Chiefs have named a new front row combination for their clash against Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe, as Counties Manukau forward …
Ben Smith
18 Mar 2025, 23:45
Five changes for the Crusaders to play the Force
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has made five changes to his team to play the Western Force at home in Christchurch on Saturday af…
Ben Smith
11 Mar 2025, 23:52
Young gun midfielder named to start for the Blues against the Chiefs
The Blues have named an exciting line up for their trip to Hamilton to play the Chiefs with young gun midfielder Xavi Taele set to…
Ben Smith
11 Mar 2025, 23:30
Opinion
Crusaders vs Reds takes: Australia's version of Retallick, All Black bolter emerges
The Crusaders took control of the match in 6th minute with a try to Cullen Grace and never looked back. Here are four takes follow…
Ben Smith
09 Mar 2025, 0:25
'Can NZ sustain five teams?': Knives out on historic weekend for New Zealand Super teams
Round four of Super Rugby Pacific delivered a round of upsets with New Zealand Super Rugby teams on the wrong side of the ledger f…
Ben Smith
08 Mar 2025, 19:36
Blues confirm Beauden Barrett has broken hand
The Blues will lose playmaker Beauden Barrett for several weeks after scans revealed a fractured hand after the 21-2o loss to the …
Ben Smith
08 Mar 2025, 17:07
Beauden Barrett back in favoured No.10 jersey for Blues as back row rejigged
All Black superstar Beauden Barrett is back in the No.10 jersey for the Blues as they prepare to face the strength of the Brumbies…
Ben Smith
05 Mar 2025, 0:14
Ex-All Black reveals NRL star Kalyn Ponga linked with Super Rugby team
Former All Black first five-eighth Steven Donald has dropped a bombshell on The Aftermatch podcast revealing his sources say NRL s…
Ben Smith
04 Mar 2025, 16:31
