Report: Top 14 club sign former Crusader and Wallaby loose forward
Former Crusader and current Wallaby and Brumbies flanker Pete Samu has inked a two-year deal in France following this year's Rugby…
Ben Smith
07 Mar 2023, 18:09
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.
'We will see where he can take us': Eddie Jones thinks Quade Cooper has another World Cup in him
Eddie Jones has backed flyhalf Quade Cooper to make the next World Cup at 35 years of age but stopped short of guaranteeing him a …
Ben Smith
06 Mar 2023, 16:01
Opinion
Expectations for Razor as All Blacks coach should be dampened
Robertson is the candidate who can energise and rally support behind the All Blacks, but expectations shouldn't be held demanding …
Ben Smith
05 Mar 2023, 23:18
Black Ferns Sevens win fourth straight gold in Vancouver with tight win over Australia
The Black Ferns Sevens have won their fourth straight World Rugby Sevens Series event after defeating Australia 19-12.
Ben Smith
05 Mar 2023, 21:52
Jordie Barrett tipped to retain All Black 12 jersey despite pressure from Havili and RTS
Three candidates for the All Blacks second five-eighth position put their hands up with starring performances in round two of Supe…
Ben Smith
05 Mar 2023, 20:31
'We've got to beat them': Eddie Jones' hard line message to Aussie Super teams
New Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones spent the Super round in Melbourne assessing all five Australian Super teams.
Ben Smith
05 Mar 2023, 15:10
Blues player ratings vs Brumbies | Super Rugby Pacific
The Blues were plagued by ill-discipline early conceding the first five of the match as the Brumbies piled on the pressure and bui…
Ben Smith
05 Mar 2023, 0:49
Freddie Burns' ruthless introduction to Richie Mo'unga and the Crusaders
Crusaders first five-eighth Richie Mo'unga was back to his destructive best on Friday night dominating the Highlanders in a near-r…
Ben Smith
04 Mar 2023, 20:38
Black Ferns and All Blacks Sevens sweep opening day in Vancouver
The Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens have got off to a hot start in Vancouver by sweeping every opponent on day one.
Ben Smith
04 Mar 2023, 16:30
Ian Foster's shock bombshell in response to NZR's announcement
The All Blacks will have a new head coach in 2024 with Foster dropping out of contention.
Ben Smith
28 Feb 2023, 23:25
All Blacks forwards coach explains what he would ban about the rolling maul
Last year ex-All Black Justin Marshall was highly critical of the one-dimensional approach but noticed in the opening round this s…
Ben Smith
28 Feb 2023, 20:47
Kieran Read on why New Zealand Rugby doesn't need to worry about All Black exodus
Former All Black captain Kieran Read has weighed in with what he expects for the All Blacks in 2024 after the next Rugby World Cup…
Ben Smith
27 Feb 2023, 22:37
Wallabies prop set to miss the rest of the season after 'demoralising' repeat injury
The NSW Waratahs have been dealt an early season blow with Wallabies prop Angus Bell set to miss the rest of the Super Rugby Pacif…
Ben Smith
27 Feb 2023, 15:05
The All Black set to benefit the most from new rule change
In the Blues dominant 60-20 point win over the Highlanders the No 8 clocked up 82 running metres on 12 carries.
Ben Smith
26 Feb 2023, 22:43
'Name the new coach or don't': Ex-All Black captain blasts handling of Foster situation
Ex-All Black captain Kieran Read has weighed in on the All Blacks coaching job drama between Ian Foster and Scott Robertson.
Ben Smith
26 Feb 2023, 20:16
'Fakatava cannot carry you': Ex-All Black's message to the Highlanders pack
Ex-All Black great Sir John Kirwan has put the onus on the Highlanders' tight five in the wake of the 60-20 defeat at the hands of…
Ben Smith
26 Feb 2023, 18:09
Cheslin Kolbe joins chorus of support for Springboks joining Six Nations
Cheslin Kolbe has become the latest high profile figure to put his support behind South Africa joining the Six Nations.
Ben Smith
22 Feb 2023, 15:52
Hurricanes lose two playmakers ahead of season opener against the Reds
The Hurricanes have been dealt an early season blow to their playmaking stocks after losing fullback Ruben Love and returning five…
Ben Smith
19 Feb 2023, 20:57
Analysis
The McCaw-like play from Van der Flier as Ireland's pack rolled over Wales
Ireland's pack battered Gatland's troops until they wilted from their very first opportunity after Wales fullback Liam Williams ha…
Ben Smith
07 Feb 2023, 0:51
Analysis
Going after Finn Russell backfired for England
Two Scottish tries can be traced back to England chasing Russell and leaving the defensive line compromised. This tactic to go aft…
Ben Smith
04 Feb 2023, 23:27
