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Contributors

Ben Smith

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

Hamilton Boys' HS have the strongest case as the world's best rugby school

With four triumphs, the most of any school at the Sanix World Rugby Youth tournament, Hamilton Boys have previously won the title …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
08 May 2023, 21:29

'So frustrated with it': Wayne Smith driven to turn off Super Rugby for animal doco

Former All Blacks assistant and Black Ferns head coach Wayne Smith has shared his frustrations with the current state of the game.…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
07 May 2023, 20:39

'There are too many laws': Ex-All Blacks react to Wayne Smith's comments

Former All Black wingers Sir John Kirwan and Jeff Wilson have supported Wayne Smith's calls for changes

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
07 May 2023, 20:22
Opinion

Only one of Stevenson or Narawa has a shot as a World Cup bolter

Only one of Stevenson or Narawa will likely be able to push forward as a World Cup bolter selection as the positional group is alm…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
07 May 2023, 0:47

'Very, very strange decisions': Ex-Bok coach blames refs for Nienaber's record

Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber will step down from the post at the end of this year's Rugby World Cup after four seasons i…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
06 May 2023, 19:32

Will Jordan named to return for Crusaders clash with Force

The Crusaders have named their team to face the Western Force in Round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
03 May 2023, 22:17

'Done deal': Ex-All Black claims young Chiefs' winger is a bolter selection

Chiefs breakout wing Emoni Narawa is a 'done deal' for All Blacks selection according to Highlanders great and ex-All Black Jeff W…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
03 May 2023, 19:05

'Really suits New Zealand': Ex-Wallaby assistant tips All Blacks as RWC dark horse

The former Wallabies assistant has warned rival international teams that this World Cup 'suits' New Zealand more than any other ti…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
03 May 2023, 18:16

Highlanders name team for Chiefs as they look to keep play-off hopes alive

The Highlanders have returned from their Australian road trip and are gearing up to face the table-topping Chiefs.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 May 2023, 23:33
Opinion

Damian McKenzie should be the All Black first five on form

McKenzie is enjoying his best Super Rugby season since before the ACL knee injury in 2019 that robbed him of his first World Cup a…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 May 2023, 21:09
Opinion

Super Rugby can revive itself with a quasi-American model

The goal of Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby should be to create an entertainment product worth more than the All Blacks and …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 May 2023, 0:31

'End of the Crusaders' dynasty': Ex-All Black on the loss to the Chiefs

The defending champions and six-time Super Rugby winners under Scott Robertson are currently fifth on the Super Rugby ladder.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
30 Apr 2023, 23:34

Black Fern Ruby Tui makes decision on her future after weighing up 'mighty' NRLW offer

Black Fern and World Cup hero Ruby Tui has made a decision on her playing future after taking a break since last November's World …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
30 Apr 2023, 20:41

'Got that belief now': Shaun Stevenson on the keys to the Chiefs' unbeaten run

Stevenson said the success is down to keeping the same group together that went through the winless Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
29 Apr 2023, 22:53

Ian Foster's 'simple' theory for the All Blacks' World Cup squad

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has offered his thoughts on Rugby World Cup squads which are set to expand to 33 from 31 players

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
29 Apr 2023, 21:23

'It'd be a disaster': Foster's warning to NZR over All Black eligibility

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has warned New Zealand Rugby not to tinker with All Blacks eligibility.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
29 Apr 2023, 18:58
Opinion

What a stacked Wallabies XV for 2025 looks like after successful NRL raids

What could the Wallabies look like by the time the British & Irish Lions tour takes place should Rugby Australia successfully pull…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Apr 2023, 23:14

Siya Kolisi in doubt for World Cup after suffering knee injury

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi may miss this year's World Cup event after scans confirmed the worst after a knee injury against Mu…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
24 Apr 2023, 16:58

NRL declares war with fund to chase Argentinian and South African union players

V'landys, who has been engaged in a war of words with Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan, has come up with the counter-offensive…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
23 Apr 2023, 19:29

Dave Rennie turns down Kiwi Super Rugby side leaving them scrambling

Former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has reportedly turned down a potential return to New Zealand.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
23 Apr 2023, 16:23
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