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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.

Worries for All Black pair after Blues win over Tahs

The Blues left Eden Park with a big win over the flailing Waratahs but with injury concerns over two All Blacks.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
23 Apr 2023, 0:56

Highlanders without Smith or Fakatava for Force clash

The Highlanders are gearing up for a tough match against the Western Force in Perth this weekend, following a bye week that gave s…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 Apr 2023, 21:45
Opinion

Super Rugby Pacific team of the week for round eight

Round eight of Super Rugby Pacific saw four fixtures as the Melbourne Rebels, Blues, Crusaders and Highlanders all had the bye wee…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
18 Apr 2023, 19:52

'Listen, come to our team': All Black hopeful told to move to bolster selection chance

Moana Pasifika centre Levi Aumua has been in devastating form and brings size and power unlike any other midfielder in New Zealand…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
17 Apr 2023, 17:55

The next big re-signing priority for the All Blacks and NZR

With All Blacks Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga departing to Japan the depth at first five-eighth is going to be tested like ne…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 Apr 2023, 22:57
Opinion

Why Rieko Ioane's new contract is such a big deal for New Zealand Rugby

What will make New Zealand rugby fans proud is that Ioane has sacrificed what he could get for what he can still become.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 Apr 2023, 21:45

'Not be vindictive': Rugby Australia boss sends warning to League over Suaalii reaction

RA chairman McLennan said that they need to be 'dignified' in how they handle Joseph Suaalii and avoid burning bridges with the yo…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 Apr 2023, 19:29

'We can't keep everybody': NZR preparing for financial battle after Rieko Ioane coup

NZ Rugby general manager of professional rugby Chris Lendrum conceded that they 'can't keep everybody' as they contend with a comp…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 Apr 2023, 16:02

Eddie Jones forced to make seven changes for Wallabies camp

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has been forced to make a number of changes ahead of his first camp in charge of the national sid…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
15 Apr 2023, 22:29

'Rejuvenated and refreshed': Damian McKenzie on the secret to the Chiefs' winning run

For veteran McKenzie, who has 102 caps for the Chiefs, his return season after a year in Japan couldn't be better as he chases a m…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
15 Apr 2023, 21:17

Hurricanes team to play the Chiefs in top of the table clash

The Hurricanes have announced their team lineup for their highly anticipated match against the Chiefs this Saturday afternoon in W…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
12 Apr 2023, 20:09

Brumbies and Rugby Australia re-sign hooker on two-year deal

Rugby Australia and the Brumbies have announced that hooker Billy Pollard has signed on with Australian Rugby until the end of 202…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
12 Apr 2023, 17:49

'Give this guy a crack': Potential All Black bolter Thomas Umaga-Jensen ready for next level

Highlanders second five-eighth Thomas Umaga-Jensen continued his form this season with a strong performance in the loss to the Hur…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
12 Apr 2023, 1:43

'Underdogs': Why the Hurricanes aren't the real deal ahead of Chiefs clash

The Hurricanes are top of the Super Rugby Pacific table but former All Black No 8 Steven Bates does not think they are the real de…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
11 Apr 2023, 21:34
Opinion

Have faith, Beauden Barrett will show up for the All Blacks when it matters

Beauden Barrett’s form with the Blues matters as much as today’s weather in six month’s time as far as the All Blacks are co…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
10 Apr 2023, 22:45

'I'm still pretty angry about it': Injured All Black Tupaea resentful over Swain cleanout

All Black second five-eighth Quinn Tupaea has opened up about his recovery from the ACL injury he suffered in last year's Bledislo…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 Mar 2023, 17:16

All Black wing Reece confirmed to be out for season

Crusaders winger Sevu Reece has been ruled out for the rest of the season after confirmation the All Black suffered an ACL injury …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 Mar 2023, 15:58

Report: Tuivasa-Sheck to reject league and stay in union after World Cup

Blues and All Black midfielder Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly set to reject a return to the NRL after this year's World Cup.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
26 Mar 2023, 18:52

The All Blacks injury toll five rounds into Super Rugby Pacific

Round five of Super Rugby Pacific was a designated 'rest week' for many All Blacks which helped softened the growing injury toll.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
26 Mar 2023, 16:36
Opinion

Joseph Suaalii is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist for Rugby Australia

Eddie Jones will hope his new league recruit will have as much impact as Israel Folau did in his Test debut in the last Lions seri…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Mar 2023, 19:02
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