All Blacks gave 'too many soft penalties' says Richie Mo'unga
The All Blacks struggled to gain ascendency early as they turned the ball over many times in contact. First five Richie Mo'unga pu…
Ben Smith
07 Aug 2021, 19:25
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.
'He's got another 10 in him': Savea backs ageless All Black Smith
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith will join an elite group of All Black centurions when he runs out on Eden Park on Saturday night a…
Ben Smith
05 Aug 2021, 0:58
'As sharp as I've seen him': Ian Foster on Rieko Ioane
The All Blacks team for the opening Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies saw the return of Rieko Ioane on the left wing, afte…
Ben Smith
04 Aug 2021, 21:43
Opinion
Why Duhan Van der Merwe keeps getting picked for the Lions
The South African-born wing has come under heat for retaining his place in the side after a test where he wasn't heavily involved …
Ben Smith
04 Aug 2021, 2:13
'It's not the All Blacks standard': Lienert-Brown ready for better year
Anton Lienert-Brown has challenged the All Blacks for better performances this season while coming to grips with a brand-new midfi…
Ben Smith
03 Aug 2021, 22:43
'He'll be licking his lips': Brodie Retallick's message to Quade Cooper
Saturday’s test could see the return of former Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper to the test arena, with the mercurial No 10 recen…
Ben Smith
03 Aug 2021, 0:31
'It put me to sleep': Ian Foster on Lions-Springboks second test
Speaking to the media ahead of the first Bledisloe test against the Wallabies, Foster admitted he had watched the second test of t…
Ben Smith
01 Aug 2021, 23:56
Opinion
The last tactical advantage the British & Irish Lions have over the Springboks
Pride was on the line - the world champion Springboks were desperate to prove their credentials in the series that they had put on…
Ben Smith
01 Aug 2021, 22:27
The play that cost the Lions the insipid second test
Again, there is little between the sides, with twenty minutes to go at 11-9 and the game in the balance, the Springboks capitalise…
Ben Smith
31 Jul 2021, 23:00
The Lions have stacked the backline with height for an aerial showdown
The second test will bring more intensity and an emotional charge from a Springbok side fighting to stay alive in the series, but …
Ben Smith
28 Jul 2021, 0:43
'Hung him out to dry': Springbok coach defends Kwagga Smith
Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber named a few changes for his side's do-or-die second test against the British & Irish Lions,…
Ben Smith
27 Jul 2021, 21:46
The Lions' Biggar gambit paved the way
The Lions fly-half was instrumental in orchestrating the second-half comeback to defeat the Springboks
Ben Smith
26 Jul 2021, 3:50
Exclusive
The Lions went after the biggest weakness in this Springboks team
Tactically, the Lions exposed the biggest flaw in this Springboks team - catching and handling. They turned the game into a battle…
Ben Smith
25 Jul 2021, 3:42
Building the All Blacks around Richie Mo'unga's Crusaders
Analysis: The All Blacks are building their attack around the in-form Richie Mo'unga.
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2021, 20:53
Now we will find out if SA Rugby has tempted fate
Whatever was discussed behind closed doors, we now have the situation the SARU wanted, yet at every turn it is unravelling and the…
Ben Smith
18 Jul 2021, 22:14
Warren Gatland has set a classic 'rug pull' trap for the Springboks
The physical, test-match level intensity brought by South Africa 'A' promised an appetising entree in what was dubbed the 'fourth …
Ben Smith
14 Jul 2021, 22:01
David Havili gives the All Blacks a new edge at 12
Analysis: The All Blacks relied on the full bag of tricks of their new second five in their win over Fiji.
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2021, 2:30
David Havili vindicated by decision to stay after All Black return
David Havili's return to the All Blacks for the first time in four years was a successful one, with the newly established second-f…
Ben Smith
11 Jul 2021, 1:25
'We are going to have to buy them New Zealand passports'
Fiji head coach Vern Cotter said a defining moment in the game was when Fiji lost their halfback Simione Kuruvoli in the 51st minu…
Ben Smith
10 Jul 2021, 19:14
Why Aaron Smith has been rewarded with All Blacks captaincy
A co-captain for the Highlanders, Smith's first All Black test as captain comes as Sam Whitelock moves to the bench with the retur…
Ben Smith
07 Jul 2021, 22:58
