The Lions reprise the 10-12 axis
Two games in, Warren Gatland and his coaches are already showing varied gameplans to keep the Springboks guessing
Ben Smith
05 Jul 2021, 4:25
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.
It's night and day between Handre Pollard and the Lions flyhalves
The difference for the Lions pivots is they shoulder a much heavier burden. And should they win, they will likely deserve an unequ…
Ben Smith
29 Jun 2021, 23:47
What we learnt from the Lions v Japan
Two key injuries aside, it was a useful hit out for Warren Gatland's tourists but stiffer tests await
Ben Smith
29 Jun 2021, 5:58
'We address the elephant in the room': All Black first five battle not a destabilising force for the team says Mo'unga
Returning first five Richie Mo'unga enters the camp having won another Super Rugby Aotearoa title with the Crusaders, and is looki…
Ben Smith
28 Jun 2021, 0:05
Report: Chiefs star Damian McKenzie 'likely' to take up contract in Japan
The 26-year-old is currently in the final year of his current three-year contract, originally signed in 2018 and is currently weig…
Ben Smith
25 Jun 2021, 21:24
The All Blacks' 12 shortage a symptom of flip-flopping New Zealand's age grade stars around positions
This era is really an unchartered experiment for New Zealand Rugby, with many talented players now becoming utility players on the…
Ben Smith
23 Jun 2021, 0:43
Ian Foster explains how he picked his All Black midfielders and why he called up Quinn Tupaea
Ian Foster has highlighted the midfield as the toughest area to pick of his 2021 All Blacks squad, as he tries to find the right c…
Ben Smith
21 Jun 2021, 22:38
'I don't get quite as hot-headed as I used to': A wiser Damian McKenzie returns to the All Blacks after his clutch form for the Chiefs
The Chiefs resurgent season in 2021 which saw them make the Super Rugby Aotearoa final has seen a number of Chiefs' players select…
Ben Smith
21 Jun 2021, 18:46
Breaking the Springboks defensive line
The defensive system adopted by South Africa in Japan was impregnable, so how do the Lions unlock it?
Ben Smith
15 Jun 2021, 7:10
Can the All Blacks get the Crusaders' version of Richie Mo'unga this year
This isn't the foundation or strategy that is going to produce the best of Mo'unga at the international level. They have to embrac…
Ben Smith
31 May 2021, 0:41
Evolution of Hogg
Scotland full-back is ready to step up from nearly-man to key figure for the Lions
Ben Smith
26 May 2021, 12:38
The Reds targetting of Mo'unga backfired and they were punished by the Crusaders for playing small
With Richie Mo'unga defending at centre, it looked like an opportunity to expose the slight frame of the All Blacks first-five. Hi…
Ben Smith
23 May 2021, 22:17
The notion that the Springboks are the world's best is nothing more than an illusion at this point
The real test as the world's best has yet to begin - playing as world champions, as the hunted rather than the hunter. Deal with …
Ben Smith
10 May 2021, 0:06
Why South African-born Duhan van der Merwe is a deeply compelling selection for the British & Irish Lions tour
If you are looking for a powerful, strong ball-carrying wrecking ball that asks for two or three man tackles on every touch, how c…
Ben Smith
27 Apr 2021, 22:59
The Blues backline puzzle just gets more confusing after the head-scratching selections against Crusaders
It's hard to believe that the Blues were prepared to use a midfielder who hadn't started all year as the centre piece of their gam…
Ben Smith
26 Apr 2021, 19:57
Master of his craft
Over the last 24 months, French scrum-half Antoine Dupont has become, arguably, the world's best player
Ben Smith
22 Apr 2021, 13:33
Push the pass
The All Blacks' offloading game has faded dramatically since Wayne Smith left the coaching fold.
Ben Smith
19 Apr 2021, 17:50
Attacking the underbelly
Modern defences have forced an attacking re-think and the Hurricanes have a new trick up their sleeve.
Ben Smith
30 Mar 2021, 0:05
Striving for perfection
England's attack has been a work-in-progress since the heroics of 2019, so can they re-find their mojo?
Ben Smith
03 Mar 2021, 15:58
Missing ingredient
Scotland have the players to cause plenty of damage but their rigid game plan is hampering their attack.
Ben Smith
23 Feb 2021, 11:17
