Ireland 'like the All Blacks from some years ago' says Italy's head coach
Italy's Argentinian head coach Gonzalo Quesada has compared the current day Ireland side to "the All Blacks of old" after their 36…
Ben Smith
11 Feb 2024, 15:42
Contributors
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.
Opinion
The five moments that cost Scotland dearly against France
After building a 13-3 lead in the first half hour of play, Scotland were in a commanding position against France. Here are five mo…
Ben Smith
10 Feb 2024, 21:03
'I think the images are quite clear': Galthie's take on final call in Scotland-France
France head coach Fabian Galthie believes referee Nic Berry made the right call on the final play of France's 20-16 win over Scotl…
Ben Smith
10 Feb 2024, 19:05
Watch: Caleb Clarke's superman try has to be seen to be believed
Blues winger Caleb Clarke has produced an unbelievable try in the Blues 57-22 win over the Yokohama Canon Eagles in the pre-season…
Ben Smith
10 Feb 2024, 14:58
Opinion
Why Ireland-France was no World Cup final
The opening game of the 2024 Six Nations has been described as the 'World Cup final everyone wanted' between the top two ranked te…
Ben Smith
06 Feb 2024, 20:55
Analysis
How Jack Crowley rose to claim Ireland's throne - Six Nations
The Munster pivot slipped easily into the fabled number 10 jersey vacated by Johnny Sexton.
Ben Smith
06 Feb 2024, 4:37
Perofeta shines as slick Blues side put Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath to the sword
A slick Blues pre-season team put the Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath to the sword in front of All Blacks legends Beauden Barrett and Aar…
Ben Smith
03 Feb 2024, 19:36
Crusaders come up short against Munster after final kick jeered by crowd
In a battle between the two hemisphere club champions, the Crusaders have gone down to Munster 21-19 after a missed conversion fro…
Ben Smith
03 Feb 2024, 18:58
Opinion
Why now is the perfect time for Italy to shock England
Italy versus England could be a 30 for 30 ESPN doco. Unfortunately, that is because they have 30 losses from the 30 matches played…
Ben Smith
31 Jan 2024, 19:59
Opinion
Letting the Rebels die would see the Force finally flourish
There was once a time in Super Rugby where the expansion franchise Western Force were a promising outfit for Australian rugby. The…
Ben Smith
31 Jan 2024, 15:40
All Blacks release full schedule for 2024
The full schedule for the All Blacks in 2024 has been released today which includes a trip to America for the first time since 202…
Ben Smith
31 Jan 2024, 13:16
Ex-Highlanders coach Tony Brown a 'done deal' for Springboks
Former Highlanders head coach and Japan assistant Tony Brown will join Rassie Erasmus' staff as an assistant coach with the Spring…
Ben Smith
29 Jan 2024, 18:48
'Great move': How English media reacted to Owen Farrell's Racing 92 deal
French club Racing 92 have confirmed England fly-half Owen Farrell will join them next season just two weeks after a public statem…
Ben Smith
22 Jan 2024, 15:33
Sam Cane scores as Tokyo Sungoliath mount wild comeback after 29-point deficit
All Blacks captain Sam Cane and Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe were part of a wild Japan Rugby League One fixture as the Tokyo Sung…
Ben Smith
20 Jan 2024, 17:35
'Eddie's biggest crime': Untold story of World Cup snub has infuriated Wallabies fans
It was thought that Brumbies and Wallabies centre Len Ikitau missed Rugby World Cup selection due to injury but the story has been…
Ben Smith
17 Jan 2024, 17:41
'Two vacant spots there': Forgotten All Black lock eyeing up international return
Returning Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu didn't feature at all for the All Blacks in 2023 as a broken arm saw him miss the Rugby …
Ben Smith
16 Jan 2024, 21:15
Opinion
The All Blacks who would have the best shot at making an NFL roster
From a New Zealand perspective, which athletes would conceivably have the best chance at making an NFL career had they made the mo…
Ben Smith
16 Jan 2024, 16:18
Opinion
Richie Mo'unga is a luxury, not a need, for the All Blacks
That partnership could have become a foundation of Robertson's All Blacks. But Mo'unga is not a necessity for the All Blacks. His …
Ben Smith
15 Jan 2024, 20:59
Opinion
Six candidates to make an All Blacks comeback in 2024
The chance to impress new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson offers some previously capped players the chance to revive their i…
Ben Smith
14 Jan 2024, 21:22
Dane Coles' double powers Spears to win over All Black-laden Steelers
Former All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles scored a double to power the Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay to a 38-34 win o…
Ben Smith
14 Jan 2024, 15:55
