Is it time for England to move away from George Ford?
Eddie Jones has persisted with a Ford & Farrell partnership for most of his reign as England’s coach. It has been a maligned arr…
Ben Smith
17 Jun 2018, 23:59
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.
The All Blacks cut France to pieces and they won't be able to put them back together
France’s biggest hope to level the series is treacherous conditions as a leveler, where their brutality-based game can flourish …
Ben Smith
14 Jun 2018, 1:22
Pocock's herculean performance and the scariest Wallaby back row for Ireland
With this double-headed snake, the Wallabies openside duo is able to just focus in on what they each do best. It seems that by not…
Ben Smith
12 Jun 2018, 0:51
How did England blow a 21-point lead over South Africa? Faf De Klerk and Willie Le Roux, that's how
It took two of South Africa’s overseas Premiership stars to dig them out of an early hole against England.
Ben Smith
10 Jun 2018, 2:54
Australia vs Ireland - Wallaby Player Ratings
The returning David Pocock was Australia's match-winner as they handed Ireland a first defeat in over a year with an 18-9 victory …
Ben Smith
09 Jun 2018, 9:33
Time is running out for Michael Cheika
It’s time this team showed up to prove that whatever Cheika is doing, works. Because it certainly hasn’t been.
Ben Smith
07 Jun 2018, 21:11
Pete Samu not the only one Australian rugby has missed
Digby Ioane’s criticism aimed at Michael Cheika for ‘missing’ on Pete Samu is a little bit misguided - one man can’t be re…
Ben Smith
07 Jun 2018, 0:21
The international game is becoming more about power than nationalism
World Rugby makes eligibility laws and Unions find ways to abide by them, whether those ways are righteous or not. Brad Shields wa…
Ben Smith
06 Jun 2018, 19:22
Are the All Blacks ripe for the picking?
Things are starting to feel like 2009 when France came under the radar and beat a young All Blacks side 27-22 on a cold winter’s…
Ben Smith
06 Jun 2018, 2:21
What if the Queensland Reds had signed Kalyn Ponga?
The 20-year-old is proving his talent is worth every dollar paid. However, it wasn’t too long ago he was playing the other rugby…
Ben Smith
29 May 2018, 20:26
Why Owen Farrell was the difference in the Premiership final
Mako Vunipola was awarded the man of the match for his physical dominance in the 2018 Aviva Premiership final, but the play of ano…
Ben Smith
27 May 2018, 1:47
The battle for Super Rugby power - The Crusaders just taught the Hurricanes a lesson in wet weather rugby
In a battle for Super Rugby power, the Crusaders delivered a crushing blow to the Hurricanes, claiming a 24-13 win and denting the…
Ben Smith
25 May 2018, 20:50
Five Australian players to watch at JWC
With the JWC just around the corner in France, RugbyPass looks at five standout candidates to keep an eye on from Australia. The J…
Ben Smith
23 May 2018, 18:15
The small details that cost the Queensland Reds
At times they made some brilliant decisions, and at other times they made some mind-numbingly stupid ones. It's the lack of fundam…
Ben Smith
23 May 2018, 3:58
The Sharks figured out how to beat New Zealand teams
The Sharks completed their third win from four games against Kiwi teams, and if not for a last-gasp 82nd-minute try by Ngani Lauma…
Ben Smith
22 May 2018, 2:38
Five New Zealand players to watch at the JWC
With the JWC just around the corner in France, RugbyPass looks at five standout candidates to keep an eye on from the defending ch…
Ben Smith
22 May 2018, 1:30
The evolution of Damian McKenzie
McKenzie’s elevation into the Chiefs 10 position was one of the more intriguing storylines of 2018.
Ben Smith
19 May 2018, 22:30
The Return of SBW and the All Black's midfield puzzle
Don't be surprised to see Williams partner with a new centre before the Rugby World Cup, at the very least as a backup trial and …
Ben Smith
15 May 2018, 22:39
Beau's Plan - What Carlos can bring to Beauden's game
The Blues best ever first five has returned to his hometown franchise – he will join the Hurricanes coaching staff as an assista…
Ben Smith
14 May 2018, 18:53
Lions may have just lost the best player in Super Rugby
The 23-year-old hooker has been a truly dominant force in Super Rugby this year, man-handling opposition in defence, damaging runs…
Ben Smith
10 May 2018, 2:27
