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Contributors

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.

Cam Miller to start for Highlanders against the Brumbies

The Highlanders have opted to start kicking ace Cam Miller for their crunch quarter-final against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
05 Jun 2024, 1:07

Chiefs name eight All Blacks in team to play the Reds

The Chiefs have named eight All Blacks in their team to play the Queensland Reds in a quarter-final rematch in Hamilton on Friday …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
05 Jun 2024, 0:15
Opinion

Five key reasons why the Crusaders' wheels fell off in 2024

The Crusaders have missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015 under first year head coach Rob Penney prompting an external …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
04 Jun 2024, 17:07

Crusaders hire external firm to undertake autopsy of disastrous season

The Crusaders finished their season on a high with a 43-10 win over Moana Pasifika but it wasn't enough to secure playoff qualific…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 Jun 2024, 23:19

'No guarantees': Jordie Barrett on the Hurricanes' playoff hopes

Hurricanes captain Jordie Barrett was pleased with the 41-14 win over the Highlanders but all focus now turns to recovery for the …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 Jun 2024, 22:44
Opinion

Super Rugby Pacific takeaways: Josh Ioane honorary MVP, Chiefs at most risk

The final week of the Super Rugby Pacific season saw the final playoff spot secured by the Fijian Drua after a big win over the Me…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 Jun 2024, 20:43

New Zealand rugby set for conflict as provincial unions reject NZR's recommendations

The provincial unions have rejected NZR's 'Proposal 1' governance changes, instead voting in 'Proposal 2' at the New Zealand Rugby…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
29 May 2024, 18:26

Highlanders bring in the young guns to face the Hurricanes

The Highlanders have promoted a number of young guns into the starting side to play the Hurricanes with a playoff spot assured. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 May 2024, 23:33

Final Hurricanes team of the regular season named to play Highlanders

The Hurricanes will look to continue their seven-game home winning streak when they take on the Highlanders at Sky Stadium on Satu…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 May 2024, 23:17

France re-match drawn for New Zealand U20s in tough pool group

The New Zealand U20s will get the opportunity to avenge last year's defeat to France U20 when the World Championships kick off in …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 May 2024, 22:55

All Blacks-Springboks tours back on the table from 2026

NZR and SARU have agreed to resume All Blacks and Springboks tours from 2026 according to South African newspaper Rapport.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 May 2024, 22:16

'Another James Lowe or Gibson-Park': Irish glee as New Zealand lose 'next Dan Carter'

The loss of Hurricanes' first five-eighth Aidan Morgan to Ireland club Ulster on a two-year deal was met with excitement and resig…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 May 2024, 20:39
Opinion

New Zealand rugby has an excess of talent with nowhere to go

Rugby league and the NRL's talent raid on rugby union schools has garnered much press as the popularity of the Warriors has boomed…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 May 2024, 18:36

'Men of action': Aaron Smith's verdict on the next All Blacks captain

Retired halfback Aaron Smith has been in the All Blacks leadership groups for the better part of a decade through his illustrious …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
26 May 2024, 16:41

Nareki and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens star as Highlanders thump Drua

The Highlanders have come away with a comprehensive 39-3 win over the Fijian Drua on Sunday afternoon in the crucial battle betwee…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 May 2024, 22:58

Aaron Smith believes that All Blacks eligibility will change after the last two World Cups

Former All Blacks halfback and Test centurion Aaron Smith believes that the All Blacks eligibility rules will change in the next f…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 May 2024, 21:44

What Rob Penney had to say after Crusaders beat the Blues

Reflecting on the chaotic build-up the head coach took ownership of his comments and was just pleased that the incident didn't der…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 May 2024, 21:17

Ethan Blackadder on his latest return with the Crusaders as an openside

All Black Ethan Blackadder made his latest return for the Crusaders after three weeks on the sidelines to help the side to a 29-27…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 May 2024, 18:43

'You could feel it all week': Crusaders captain Taylor on ambushing the Blues

The under-siege Crusaders topped a tumultuous week with a memorable 29-27 win over the table-leading Blues in front of a raucous c…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 May 2024, 17:58

Crusaders apologise to journalist after Penney's expletive

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge has apologised on behalf of the organisation to 1News reporter Thomas Mead after coach Rob Penney's…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
22 May 2024, 22:12
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