McKenzie benched as All Blacks name team to play the Wallabies
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and his staff have named his team to play the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Test at Sky …
Ben Smith
25 Sep 2024, 19:28
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.
Robertson on decision to bench McKenzie and start Beauden Barrett
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has explained the decision to change his first five-eighth for the second Bledisloe Test in …
Ben Smith
25 Sep 2024, 22:40
The 'hard call' to leave Billy Proctor out of All Blacks' midfield
An injury to second five-eighth Jordie Barrett opened the door slightly for a return for All Black debutant Billy Proctor in front…
Ben Smith
26 Sep 2024, 0:38
All Blacks player ratings vs Australia | Bledisloe Cup II
The Wallabies came out of the blocks fast to score the opening try through Fraser McReight after seven minutes of power rugby. A t…
Ben Smith
28 Sep 2024, 5:02
Opinion
Despite some positives Razor's first Rugby Championship was a failure
Despite the festive atmosphere of Sam Cane's farewell tour and a more complete showing in the final Bledisloe, the first Rugby Cha…
Ben Smith
29 Sep 2024, 17:13
Opinion
The top 50 prospects under 23 in New Zealand rugby
The top 50 prospects under 23 years of age currently plying their trade in New Zealand features three capped All Blacks already.
Ben Smith
02 Oct 2024, 1:42
Chiefs lure back 50-cap Brumbies loose forward as Sam Cane's replacement
The Chiefs have announced the signing of Brumbies flanker Jahrome Brown on a two-year deal until the end of 2026.
Ben Smith
02 Oct 2024, 20:34
Stormers gain first win with rout of Zebre
Stormers moved off the bottom of the United Rugby Championship table with a 36-5 victory over Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfran…
Ben Smith
05 Oct 2024, 17:27
Opinion
It's time to stop hating on Damian McKenzie, the best 10 in the Championship
McKenzie is a risk-taker, a gambler, and not your cookie cutter game manager in the mould of Harry Plummer. He's also a phenomenal…
Ben Smith
05 Oct 2024, 20:41
Roigard recalled as All Blacks squad for Northern Tour named
Hurricanes and Counties Manakau halfback Cam Roigard has been named in the All Blacks squad for the Northern Tour.
Ben Smith
06 Oct 2024, 21:17
14 All Blacks released to play NPC quarter-finals
14 All Blacks have been released from the squad to play in this weekend's NPC quarter-finals, including halfback TJ Perenara who w…
Ben Smith
09 Oct 2024, 17:22
Opinion
Losing Makasini won't hurt Australian rugby as much as failing the U20 graduates
A day after representing the Australian U18 rugby union side, schoolboy star winger Heamasi Makasini announced his future deal wit…
Ben Smith
10 Oct 2024, 0:11
'Call a spade a spade': Sonny Bill Williams says current All Blacks don't like pressure
Former All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams says that the current day All Blacks team "don't like it" when faced with pressur…
Ben Smith
13 Oct 2024, 0:08
Canterbury blast Tasman with record score in quarter-final
Canterbury have booked a ticket to the Bunnings NPC semi-finals after thrashing Tasman by a record score 62-14 in Blenheim.
Ben Smith
13 Oct 2024, 0:31
'Don't talk to us about player safety': Manu Tuilagi's Top 14 debut controversy
England international Manu Tuilagi's debut for Bayonne in the Top 14 has caused a stir after a shot on La Rochelle's Gregory Alldr…
Ben Smith
13 Oct 2024, 22:01
Opinion
The current day Springboks who can realistically make it into the Hall of Fame
With the Springboks achieving back-to-back Rugby World Cups and building a successful 2024 season with a Rugby Championship, how m…
Ben Smith
14 Oct 2024, 22:36
All Blacks prop punished for breaking team protocol
All Blacks loosehead prop Ethan de Groot's omission from the team to face England at Twickenham is punishment for breaking team pr…
Ben Smith
01 Nov 2024, 4:43
Scott Robertson explains why Beauden Barrett was selected ahead of McKenzie
Scott Robertson says the selection of Beauden Barrett at first five for the All Blacks against England is the best call "for this …
Ben Smith
01 Nov 2024, 7:34
Opinion
Everyone knows the Springboks' ranking was puffed up
South Africa has lost the world number one ranking after falling to Argentina by 29-28 in Santiago del Estero since being crowned …
Ben Smith
22 Sep 2024, 20:08
Scott Robertson on how he will handle Damian McKenzie after the flick pass
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has explained the approach he will take with Damian McKenzie after an audacious backhand fli…
Ben Smith
22 Sep 2024, 0:44
