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Ben Smith

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 Blacks name six debutants in team to play Fiji in San Diego

The All Blacks have named a swathe of debutants for their one-off Test at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego against Fiji.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2024, 19:12

Ex-All Blacks on whether Beauden Barrett should be the starting first five

Beauden Barrett took to Eden Park with a vintage performance reminiscent of his days as back-to-back World Player of the Year in t…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2024, 18:21

'Champions get up when they can't': Matt Williams weighs in on Ireland's win over Boks

Matt Williams revealed he doubted Ireland's ability to bounce back from the first Test loss and picked South Africa to win.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
15 Jul 2024, 20:34
Opinion

The bite don't match the bark

It's a passionate nation that loves rugby. We love that. But what becomes increasingly apparent with South African rugby, at all l…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
14 Jul 2024, 23:29

All Blacks vs England takeaways: Richie Who? Time for Cortez

The All Blacks were made to work hard for a 24-17 win in the second Test against England to close out the series 2-0. First five …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
14 Jul 2024, 22:08

'I was stopped in the street': Steve Borthwick claps back at boastful New Zealand public

England head coach has clapped back at the boastful New Zealand public who stopped him "at least 10 times a day" to tell him how m…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2024, 21:37

'Everybody could see that': Beauden Barrett's game changing performance the difference

Both head coaches Steve Borthwick and Scott Robertson have heaped praise on All Blacks utility Beauden Barrett after his 29 minute…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2024, 21:13

All Blacks player ratings vs England | Steinlager Ultra Low Carb second Test

Beauden Barrett's electric showing from the back changed the game and powered the All Blacks to 10 points in the final quarter to …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2024, 5:08

Luke Jacobson on how the All Blacks will combat England's 'heat'

All Blacks loose forward Luke Jacobson is looking to eliminate England's breakdown threats as they build on the performance from t…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
09 Jul 2024, 2:09
Opinion

All Blacks vs England takeaways: The Perenara fade away, Razor's defensive concern

Whilst not new for the All Blacks and something that was seen throughout Foster's tenure, the 'click' plays in transition look to …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
08 Jul 2024, 1:21

Scott Robertson's take on Marcus Smith and the England players who impressed

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has offered his view on the standout England players from the first Test as well as Marcus S…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
07 Jul 2024, 21:39

'Wasn't Super Rugby, was it?': Scott Robertson on his first Test as All Blacks coach

A relieved Scott Robertson was elated but realistic after his first All Blacks Test match as head coach as the team squeezed a tig…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
06 Jul 2024, 20:14

The All Blacks on England's blitz defence and how they will respond at Eden Park

England came out breathing fire in Dunedin with rapid line speed in their aggressive defensive system against the All Blacks. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
06 Jul 2024, 19:48
Opinion

All Blacks player ratings vs England | Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series first Test

The All Blacks finished with a tight 16-15 win over England in Scott Robertson's first Test as All Blacks head coach.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
06 Jul 2024, 5:12

Sevu Reece on his All Blacks comeback and the wing depth

Returning All Black Sevu Reece is in line to play his first Test since November 2022 after being named on the right wing to face E…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
04 Jul 2024, 21:43

'I wouldn't call it safe': Robertson on why there are no debutants in his All Black side

Scott Robertson has explained his thinking behind the first All Blacks side of the year which does not include any debutants despi…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
03 Jul 2024, 23:28

Perofeta to start as Robertson names his first All Blacks team to play England

Scott Robertson has named his first ever All Blacks team as they prepare to take on England in the first Test in Dunedin.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
03 Jul 2024, 19:35

'Two things that never change': Scott Hansen on the All Blacks' style changes from last year

A new era for the All Blacks has started but their first public showing is due this weekend when they face England at Forsyth Barr…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 Jul 2024, 18:22
Opinion

Scott Roberston needs to send Samipeni Finau on a Marcus Smith mission

With England naming Marcus Smith at flyhalf for the opening match, the intriguing pick for blindside is Chiefs hitman Samipeni Fin…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 Jul 2024, 17:30

'Not the future of our game': Ex-All Black great on the Springboks style of play

Former All Black great Sir John Kirwan believes that the Rugby World Cup winning Springboks could struggle to adapt to the new Wor…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 Jul 2024, 19:42
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