Springbok and All Black stars carded in crunch Japan Rugby League One clash
Springboks and All Blacks featured heavily in Saturday's action in Japan Rugby League One when Shizuoka Blue Revs faced Suntory Su…
Ben Smith
13 Jan 2024, 21:59
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
Why 3-0 over the Wallabies is not guaranteed for the Lions
The British & Irish Lions will bring one of their strongest-ever touring squads to Australia in 2025 under new head coach Andy Far…
Ben Smith
13 Jan 2024, 18:55
'What a shame': Dupont's masterclass leaves discontent over upcoming move
A masterclass performance from France superstar Antoine Dupont has left a hollow feeling for some as the realisation he won't play…
Ben Smith
13 Jan 2024, 17:07
Opinion
The big four era: where the World Rugby rankings will end after 2024
The rise of Ireland and France over the 2023 Rugby World Cup cycle has altered the world order of power in the international game,…
Ben Smith
10 Jan 2024, 19:34
Report: Scotland in talks to poach All Black prospect from the Crusaders
Scotland have an All Black prospect in their sights as a shortage of U20 talent has forced a recruitment spree to raid eligible of…
Ben Smith
10 Jan 2024, 16:40
Opinion
Round two: The Springboks return to regular scheduled programming
The Springboks start a second chapter as defending world champions in 2024 after claiming a 12-11 win over the 14-man All Blacks i…
Ben Smith
09 Jan 2024, 18:23
Opinion
Time for Lakai, Love? The big questions for the Hurricanes to answer in 2024
Incoming head coach Clark Laidlaw, the former All Blacks Sevens coach, will miss the experience and leadership of both Savea broth…
Ben Smith
09 Jan 2024, 15:14
Richie Mo'unga cops yellow as Toshiba Brave Lupus triumph over defending champs
Ex-All Blacks star Richie Mo'unga copped a yellow card for a jarring cover tackle as his Toshiba Brave Lupus triumphed over the de…
Ben Smith
08 Jan 2024, 1:49
Wales set to miss out on rising star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Exeter Chiefs rising star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has reportedly made a call on his international eligibility with the Wales-born, En…
Ben Smith
07 Jan 2024, 15:31
All Black winger joining South Sydney Rabbitohs for new opportunity
Blues and All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke is taking an unusual path ahead of next season's Super Rugby Pacific season by linking wi…
Ben Smith
12 Dec 2023, 0:04
Ardie Savea caps off Japan debut with two tries in monster win
All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea started his stint in Japan with monster 80-15 win as Kobelco Steelers ran rampant over Mie Ho…
Ben Smith
09 Dec 2023, 17:11
Opinion
Ranking the top five performances from the Springboks in 2023
The performance in the final wasn't South Africa's best of the year as they just squeaked past a 14-man opposition. Here are the t…
Ben Smith
06 Dec 2023, 18:44
Wallabies lose one of their best players in shock defection to rugby league
Waratahs and Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has shocked Australian Rugby after signing a new deal with rugby league that wil…
Ben Smith
06 Dec 2023, 17:49
Opinion
Ranking the five best performances from the All Blacks in 2023
The All Blacks came up short by one point in the Rugby World Cup final in 2023 but there were many other memorable games during th…
Ben Smith
05 Dec 2023, 17:53
Opinion
What Beauden Barrett's new deal means for Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie
Re-signing Beauden Barrett will be well worth it for New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks as they look to fill the void left by Ri…
Ben Smith
04 Dec 2023, 20:59
New Zealand Rugby re-sign Beauden Barrett on long-term deal
Beauden Barrett has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby on a four-year deal which will see the Test centurion eligible to continue hi…
Ben Smith
03 Dec 2023, 19:31
'Look at the stats': Wayne Barnes' verdict on whether Richie McCaw was a serial cheat
Retired referee Wayne Barnes has offered his perspective on whether former All Black captain Richie McCaw is a "serial cheat" in h…
Ben Smith
03 Dec 2023, 16:05
'There’s more to it': Former All Black captain doubtful of eligibility rule change
Former All Black captain and current Toshiba Brave Lupus head coach Todd Blackadder does not think NZR will change the eligibility…
Ben Smith
02 Dec 2023, 22:32
'Envy of a lot of the rugby world': Sam Cane's agent jumps into All Blacks eligibility debate
Sam Cane has suggested that the All Blacks eligibility rules should be reviewed but his agent has defended New Zealand Rugby's sta…
Ben Smith
29 Nov 2023, 19:56
Opinion
Why Ardie Savea needs to be the next All Blacks captain under Robertson
The selection of Ardie Savea will have an uplifting impact on the All Blacks, the fans, and start Scott Robertson's era on the fro…
Ben Smith
29 Nov 2023, 16:49
