Opinion
The good news for the All Blacks
South Africa completed a 2-0 home sweep over the All Blacks with a six-point win in Cape Town, adding to their four-point win in J…
Ben Smith
08 Sep 2024, 19:24
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.
Moana Pasifika sign former Hurricanes first five-eighth
Moana Pasifika have signed Wellington Lions and former Hurricanes first five-eighth Jackson Garden-Bachop for the 2025 season.
Ben Smith
08 Sep 2024, 23:29
'It's not an impact as an eight': Ex-All Blacks address Ardie Savea's form
Reigning World Player of the Year Ardie Savea has returned to the All Blacks following a season in Japan but hasn't been able to r…
Ben Smith
09 Sep 2024, 21:24
'We've been spoiled': Angus Ta'avao on current state of the All Blacks
All Black prop Angus Ta'avao has weighed in on the current state of the All Blacks after two losses to the Springboks in South Afr…
Ben Smith
09 Sep 2024, 22:13
Use of the bench hanging over the All Blacks coaches after Cape Town
Three of the most experienced All Blacks in the team, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown and Beauden Barrett, were named on the benc…
Ben Smith
09 Sep 2024, 23:53
Opinion
Don't blame Super Rugby for All Blacks' woes
After the All Blacks' losses to South Africa, in addition to the one conceded to Argentina, the fingers are now being pointed at S…
Ben Smith
11 Sep 2024, 22:27
Two props called into All Blacks squad after Fletcher Newell injured
The All Blacks will be without Crusaders prop Fletcher Newell for the first Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney after he suffered a calf…
Ben Smith
14 Sep 2024, 19:44
Ex-All Black stars for Toulon in last-gasp win
Former All Black winger Leicester Fainga'anuku was the "best player on the field" in Toulon's win over Castres in round two of the…
Ben Smith
15 Sep 2024, 17:07
'They don't give a damn': SBW on the Wallabies during the 'aura' years for All Blacks
Former All Black midfielder Sonny Bill Williams played the Wallabies 11 times over his international career, losing just twice.
Ben Smith
16 Sep 2024, 18:58
'Right up there with the world's best': All Black lock hitting new heights
One of the standouts of the challenging 2024 season has been the emergence of Tupou Vaa'i, who forwards coach Jason Ryan has prais…
Ben Smith
16 Sep 2024, 20:50
'Let's not sugarcoat it': All Blacks assistant on where the team is after losses to Boks
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan says the team has reflected on their recent test series in South Africa, acknowledging both …
Ben Smith
17 Sep 2024, 1:40
Robertson on why Sam Cane keeps starting for the All Blacks
Former captain Sam Cane has been named at openside in Scott Robertson's side to take on the Wallabies in an unchanged back row fro…
Ben Smith
18 Sep 2024, 21:03
Wallabies' halves merry-go-round continues as team to face All Blacks named
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has once again changed the halves pair as they prepare to take on the All Blacks in Sydney.
Ben Smith
18 Sep 2024, 22:51
'They know what they're doing': Scott Robertson on the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson says he has "full respect" for new Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the first Bledi…
Ben Smith
18 Sep 2024, 23:08
'He was the best there's been': Richie McCaw rates the Wallabies' openside flankers he played against
Former All Blacks captain and openside flanker Richie McCaw has opened up on the Australian opposites he faced during his storied …
Ben Smith
19 Sep 2024, 4:13
All Blacks player ratings vs Australia | Bledisloe Cup I
The All Blacks lost starting fullback Beauden Barrett to illness before kickoff but they came out firing in Sydney with 28 first h…
Ben Smith
21 Sep 2024, 4:05
Springboks unbeaten run ends at hands of Los Pumas in Argentina
The Springboks’ unbeaten run in the Rugby Championship has ended after a 28-29 defeat to Argentina in their round five clash in …
Ben Smith
21 Sep 2024, 19:58
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
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
Opinion
Springboks-All Blacks takes: Double banking dishonesty, Fassi the weak link, undercooked selections
The All Blacks let a crucial victory against the Springboks slip away in the final quarter despite holding a 27-17 lead, with a ye…
Ben Smith
04 Sep 2024, 18:18
