Australia Sevens rep Lancaster stars as Junior Wallabies beat Fiji
A double to Australia men's Sevens rep Darby Lancaster has propelled the Junior Wallabies to a 47-36 win over Fiji U20 in their op…
Ben Smith
24 Jun 2023, 19:01
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.
New Zealand U20s edge Wales after 14-point first half deficit
New Zealand U20s have survived their first pool clash in the World Rugby U20 Championships in Stellenbosch with a 27-26 win over W…
Ben Smith
24 Jun 2023, 17:49
All Blacks receive boost as key nemesis rubbed out
The All Blacks have received a little help from the French judiciary ahead of the start of their Rugby Championship campaign as Lo…
Ben Smith
21 Jun 2023, 21:48
The Blues confirm departures of two All Black props among nine leavers
Blues and All Black prop Nepo Laulala has confirmed a post-World Cup move to France after signing a deal with a Top 14 club, while…
Ben Smith
21 Jun 2023, 19:59
Opinion
Five predictions for the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby Championship
The All Blacks first 36-man squad of the year offered up six newcomers in line for debuts as they refine the team ahead of big yea…
Ben Smith
20 Jun 2023, 17:11
Fainga'anuku's Toulon move confirmed but his All Black ambitions remain
Crusaders wing and All Black Leicester Fainga'anuku's move to Toulon next season has been confirmed, with the 23-year-old set to j…
Ben Smith
07 Jun 2023, 18:18
'Dying breed': All Blacks need to find next Coles-like antagoniser
The ability to turn a match on its head and raise the intensity through on-field niggle was becoming a 'lost art' with players lik…
Ben Smith
06 Jun 2023, 19:30
Opinion
The All Blacks are priority number one for the Boks
The Springboks will likely send an 'A' team to New Zealand with a split squad strategy in this year's Rugby Championship for one v…
Ben Smith
05 Jun 2023, 22:44
The towering 6 foot plus Junior Wallabies' midfielders turning heads
New Zealand's pundits were impressed with his size, he was described as a 'huge man' by former Highlander Joey Wheeler who was 'ev…
Ben Smith
03 Jun 2023, 23:24
No Kiwi derbies as Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals finalised
The eight quarter-finalists and the match schedules have been confirmed for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific play-offs as regular seas…
Ben Smith
03 Jun 2023, 20:20
'He's so much better than people think': The forgotten All Black at the Chiefs
Chiefs No 8 Luke Jacobson produced a barnstorming display in Canberra against the Brumbies, logging 16 tackles from 18 attempts wh…
Ben Smith
30 May 2023, 0:07
Junior Wallabies stun Baby Blacks with away win in Wellington
A hat-trick to right wing Ronan Leahy powered the Australia U20s to victory, who led the entire way after scoring the first try de…
Ben Smith
29 May 2023, 1:55
'A beautiful, romantic story': Blues veteran Bryce Heem and his All Black chances
The 34-year-old has been such a surprise performer that a previously unthinkable All Black debut is now being talked about as a sl…
Ben Smith
28 May 2023, 20:03
'Does put a damper on things': Crusaders concerned with All Black duo
The Crusaders comprehensive 42-18 victory over the Waratahs has come with a cost with two more All Blacks under injury clouds head…
Ben Smith
27 May 2023, 21:29
Telea bags four as the Blues see off Hurricanes in thriller
Four tries from Mark Telea has propelled the Blues to a 36-25 win over the Hurricanes.
Ben Smith
27 May 2023, 5:01
Ex-All Black returns from France to break record after 12-year hiatus
Former All Black prop John Afoa broke Super Rugby records after returning to New Zealand and turning out for the Crusaders in the …
Ben Smith
27 May 2023, 2:57
Ex-All Black wants 140kg powerhouse prop unleashed on the Pumas and Springboks
The form of Crusaders' tighthead Tamaiti Williams has caught the eye of former All Black Jeff Wilson as a potential solution.
Ben Smith
22 May 2023, 22:10
'They'll find room for him': The fringe All Black tipped to make World Cup squad
The battle for loose forward positions in the All Blacks will be hotly contested in 2023 with versatility a key differentiator, wh…
Ben Smith
22 May 2023, 20:08
'Put a stop to it': Moana Pasifika's best player reportedly poached by Crusaders
In-form Moana Pasifika centre Levi Aumu has reportedly been signed by the Crusaders for 2024 after he was pursued by multiple team…
Ben Smith
21 May 2023, 22:32
Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger to step down
During his tenure, Mauger has expressed his deep appreciation for the team, describing it as a privilege to be part of the Moana P…
Ben Smith
21 May 2023, 22:04
