Highlanders stay unbeaten in Southern Derby classic
The Highlanders remain unbeaten after coming away with a 25-17 victory in a tight affair against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr. Th…
Ben Smith
17 Mar 2018, 6:47
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.
Is France proving that private ownership concerns are overblown?
Despite all the fanfare, the French national team will play off for second place in this year’s Six Nations, after pipping Engla…
Ben Smith
15 Mar 2018, 4:02
Hurricanes Playbook - Jordie Barrett's banana split
His timing on the ball at pace makes him a dangerous option runner for the Hurricanes, who are finding more ways to inject him int…
Ben Smith
14 Mar 2018, 3:06
Analysis: How Ireland's switch plays hoodwinked Scotland
Ireland’s attacking game was multi-faceted. They varied their attack using the kicking game of Sexton and Murray, the forward pa…
Ben Smith
12 Mar 2018, 12:47
Forget England, Ireland vs All Blacks is the test of 2018
The billing of England vs All Blacks looked to be the ultimate showdown of the two superpowers of North & South. The two nations w…
Ben Smith
07 Mar 2018, 12:25
Julian Savea 2.0: The quest for the All Blacks right wing job
The rise of Rieko Ioane as the new wunderkid sensation last year forced a relatively young 26-year old Julian Savea back to Mitre …
Ben Smith
06 Mar 2018, 23:02
Analysis: Why the Blues need to play Rieko Ioane at 13
The Blues are going to run into real problems this year based on what we saw last Friday night and run the risk of wasting talent …
Ben Smith
01 Mar 2018, 9:59
Analysis: The curious case of Jesse Kriel
On the surface, Jesse Kriel looks unstoppable. However, after three seasons of Super Rugby and international rugby, the 24-year-ol…
Ben Smith
28 Feb 2018, 5:35
Challenging times ahead for the Chiefs – Super Rugby 2018 Preview
The Chiefs are set to face their most challenging year in over a decade after enjoying unprecedented success under ex-head coach D…
Ben Smith
23 Feb 2018, 22:14
Crusaders new dynasty just beginning - Super Rugby 2018 Preview
It’s been a long time between drinks for Super Rugby’s most successful franchise – at least in terms of what they were used …
Ben Smith
16 Feb 2018, 15:42
Analysis: Did Quade Cooper 'struggle' last season? Part One
Breaking down the game tape we look at the 29-year-old flyhalf to qualify Thorn’s claims in this two-part analysis - first looki…
Ben Smith
14 Feb 2018, 16:54
Hurricanes title window is still open - Super Rugby 2018 Preview
2017 was a successful year, but it won’t satisfy those in the organisation who know that the team is in the middle of its greate…
Ben Smith
13 Feb 2018, 14:09
Sunwolves looking for stability – Super Rugby 2018 Preview
Three seasons into the Sunwolves experiment and there are already concerns about the long-term future of a Japan-based side in Sup…
Ben Smith
12 Feb 2018, 20:37
An all-Kiwi affair in Tens finale
A classic rivalry will be renewed as a young Blues side have made their way into the final on the back of a 22-10 victory over the…
Ben Smith
10 Feb 2018, 3:36
Rebels ready to produce in 2018 – Super Rugby 2018 Preview
Now more than ever the Rebels need to step up and deliver and they have never been better placed to do so.
Ben Smith
09 Feb 2018, 18:28
Brisbane Tens Day 1 - Winners and Losers
Day 1 of the Brisbane Tens saw low crowds take away the headlines from some of the action-packed rugby on offer.
Ben Smith
09 Feb 2018, 14:51
Waratahs looking to regain dominance – Super Rugby 2018 Preview
For Kiwi coach Daryl Gibson this season will be make-or-break. The deterioration of the side’s results under his watch hasn’t …
Ben Smith
08 Feb 2018, 19:38
The Brisbane Tens is all about the next generation - 2018 Predictions
While there are also many well-known stars from the past like Carlos Spencer on the card, it will be the youngsters that will stea…
Ben Smith
08 Feb 2018, 18:37
Brumbies looking to change gears - Super Rugby 2018 Preview
Newly promoted head coach Dan McKellar understands that Super Rugby has become all about relentless attack. In order to get back t…
Ben Smith
07 Feb 2018, 18:27
Queensland Reds heading forward with youth movement– Super Rugby 2018 Preview
No team has had as tumultuous an offseason as the Queensland Reds. There have been more dramas at Ballymore than an episode of the…
Ben Smith
06 Feb 2018, 17:49
