Former Bok captain Victor Matfield launches personal tirade at Sam Warburton
Former Springboks captain Victor Matfield and ex-assistant coach Swys de Bruin have taken aim at former Wales captain Sam Warburto…
Ben Smith
01 Jul 2024, 3:15
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.
New Zealand U20 hold off fast finishing Wales for opening day win
The New Zealand U20 have opened their World Championship campaign in South Africa with a 41-34 win over a resilient Wales side.
Ben Smith
29 Jun 2024, 17:22
Opinion
First All Blacks squad mainly based on reputation and potential
Form has been thrown out the window as Scott Robertson and his selectors opted for a swathe of Crusaders forwards in the first All…
Ben Smith
27 Jun 2024, 0:21
'Into the Blackness': Scott Robertson shares his theme for new All Blacks
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has shared some of the details around his theme for the All Blacks in his first year in char…
Ben Smith
26 Jun 2024, 17:30
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu weighs in on Sotutu's non-selection as No 8 shares "most hated" post
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has shared his thoughts on the "surprise" omission of teammate and No 8 Hoskins Sotutu from the fi…
Ben Smith
26 Jun 2024, 14:06
The bizarre Loftus Versfeld factor that potentially played into Glasgow's hands
Many expected the Blue Bulls to hold a significant home field advantage over the Glasgow Warriors at Loftus Versfeld in the United…
Ben Smith
23 Jun 2024, 12:34
'Unstoppable': Ex-All Black midfielder's verdict on new-look Springboks
Former All Black and current Tongan and Benetton centre Malakai Fekitoa has offered his view on the new-look Springboks after thei…
Ben Smith
23 Jun 2024, 12:13
'You know we can't do that': How Canterbury swooped in and poached Richie McCaw off Otago
Former New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew has detailed the story of how all-time great All Black Richie McCaw ended up at…
Ben Smith
12 Jun 2024, 23:00
Blues call on Sam Darry for semi-final as team named for Brumbies
The Blues have called upon young lock Sam Darry to step up and fill the absence of injured captain Patrick Tuipulotu.
Ben Smith
12 Jun 2024, 0:36
Report: France planning to stiff 2025 tour to play All Blacks
France head coach Fabien Galthie has laid bare his plans for the next Rugby World Cup cycle in 2027, which includes short-changing…
Ben Smith
11 Jun 2024, 17:37
Ex-England flyhalf says Crusaders downfall means series win over the All Blacks a 'realistic chance'
Former England flyhalf Freddie Burns believes that a 2-0 series win over the All Blacks is on the table as New Zealand rugby goes …
Ben Smith
10 Jun 2024, 21:09
'Publicly I said I didn't care': Ian Foster reveals revenge motivation in Ireland quarter-final
Former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed that his preferred quarter-final opponent at last year's Rugby World Cup was …
Ben Smith
10 Jun 2024, 17:32
Beauden Barrett on the Ireland players who were 'targets' for the All Blacks
All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett has revealed how the haka before the All Blacks and Ireland quarter-final was used to intimida…
Ben Smith
09 Jun 2024, 23:48
Sam Cane opens up on the Kriel tackle and Rugby World Cup final red card
Retiring All Black skipper Sam Cane has given a raw and emotional recount of his red card in the Rugby World Cup final.
Ben Smith
09 Jun 2024, 0:32
Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out of playoffs and England series
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu will miss the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs after suffering a knee injury against the F…
Ben Smith
08 Jun 2024, 23:54
What everyone is saying about the Rebels after their final game in Super Rugby Pacific
There were emotional scenes in Wellington as the Melbourne Rebels were defeated by the Hurricanes, which will go down as the franc…
Ben Smith
08 Jun 2024, 22:04
Watch: Electric Fijian superstar rips Blues for 55-metre solo try
Winger Selestino Ravutaumada scored his seventh try of the season with a blistering run that cut open the Blues from over halfway.
Ben Smith
08 Jun 2024, 19:50
Opinion
Chiefs player ratings vs Reds | Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals
It was all Chiefs as the Reds were dominated in every facet of the game and took a 31-0 lead into half-time. Here's how the Chiefs…
Ben Smith
07 Jun 2024, 4:54
New Zealand Rugby re-sign Crusaders' pair until next World Cup
New Zealand Rugby has announced they have re-signed the Crusaders pair of Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor until the end of the next…
Ben Smith
05 Jun 2024, 19:51
Rugby Australia's star recruit sent off in Origin debut
Rugby Australia's star signing Joseph-Aukoso Sua'ali'i will be playing rugby union next year but his State of Origin debut became …
Ben Smith
05 Jun 2024, 18:51
