Opinion
Blues player ratings vs Force | Super Rugby Pacific
The Blues rebounded from the loss to the Crusaders with a 30-17 win over the Western Force at Eden Park.
Ben Smith
26 Mar 2023, 0:18
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.
All Black prop returns as rest week forces changes for Hurricanes
Former All Black prop Owen Franks will return to the Hurricanes starting side for their clash with Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stad…
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Two more All Blacks struck down by injury at the Crusaders
The Crusaders injury crisis has deepened with the loss of two more All Blacks in Sevu Reece and Sam Whitelock.
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Wales, Grand Slam winners in 2019, were not able to peak at the business end of that year's Rugby World Cup as a result. The injur…
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This kid Dallas McLeod is All Black material
Sometimes a prospect just emerges who has all the tools, whilst it would be remiss to hand a black jersey based on one game, McLeo…
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'I hope that teams are scared of us now': Galthie claims favourites tag after bullying Wales
France head coach Fabian Galthie has issued a bold display of confidence after his side's 41-28 dispatching of Wales.
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19 Mar 2023, 20:14
Woodward: Northern Hemisphere has 'never been in a better position' to end RWC drought
The two European teams are now well and truly established as the top two teams in the world rankings, establishing a new world ord…
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Opinion
Highlanders player ratings vs Force | Super Rugby Pacific
After seven lead changes the Highlanders pulled away to secure a 43-35 victory and their first win of the season. Here's how they …
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18 Mar 2023, 23:38
Everything you need to know about Super Rugby Pacific round four
Heading into the final two games of Super Rugby Pacific round four here is everything you need to know so far after the weekend's …
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'That's not us': Razor defends Crusaders' cynical play in red zone against Blues
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has defended his side's approach to defending in the red zone after his side came away with a…
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18 Mar 2023, 19:54
Crusaders hat-trick hero Leicester Fainga'anuku played through rib injury
It was Crusaders left wing Leicester Fainga'anuku who stole the show with a hat-trick of tries against the Blues at Eden Park.
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18 Mar 2023, 16:16
All Black tighthead prop signs long-term extension after breakout season
Lomax has re-committed to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2026, and will remain eligible for the All Blacks with the Hurricanes…
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15 Mar 2023, 18:10
'No one wanted him': Ex-Wallaby says Hansen had no future in Australia
Former Wallaby midfielder Morgan Turinui insists that Ireland's new star would not have got picked had he stayed in Australia.
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Analysis
How Mack Hansen outclassed Duhan van der Merwe in Edinburgh
Duhan van der Merwe will long remember Mack Hansen after their Edinburgh showdown.
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'You have to start him again next week': Marcus Smith not to blame for England woes
Marcus Smith was handed a start by new head coach Steve Borthwick in place of Owen Farrell in the 53-10 loss to France.
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'It's what needed to happen': Wilkinson's message to bruised England side
England's legendary flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has offered a philosophical view of the 53-10 defeat at the hands of France.
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Hoskins Sotutu stakes claim for All Blacks No 8 in Savea's absence
The 24-year-old was instrumental for the Blues in their 25-19 win over the Hurricanes, coming up with big plays in big moments to …
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Opinion
If England's pack matched Marcus Smith's effort they wouldn't have shipped 50
England's record loss against France should be the end of the line with new coach Steve Borthwick having all the evidence he needs…
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'You are having bad days': Kirwan calls for more superstars in All Blacks Sevens side
After winning back-to-back events in Sydney and Los Angeles, the All Blacks Sevens stumbled to a quarter-final loss to Australia i…
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