Why Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett's one-year deals are smart decisions
The surprise was both deals were short-term commitments. On the face of it looks like a worrying sign the two might up and leave, …
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2018, 18:59
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.
Revisiting Danny Cipriani's 2008 Twickenham Bok nightmare
Just a 21-year-old flyhalf finding his feet at international level, he didn’t have the control required that day. His kicks cont…
Ben Smith
22 Jun 2018, 1:09
Five All Blacks that are post-World Cup departure risks
The four-year Rugby World Cup cycle influences nearly everything in the game, from team planning to rights deals to player movemen…
Ben Smith
20 Jun 2018, 0:38
Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton strangled Australia out of the second test
With Sexton back in partnership with Murray, the Irish should be heavy favourites to claim a historic 2-1 series victory.
Ben Smith
19 Jun 2018, 1:42
From Rongotai to the All Blacks – Savea’s dream fulfilled
It’s been a magic ride to the top from an underdog school, fulfilling a dream that looked possible from a young age.
Ben Smith
18 Jun 2018, 19:42
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
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
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
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
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
Crusaders game plan revealed - Secrets of the 2-4-2
The Crusaders pioneered the 2-4-2 system as a pattern of play and continue to deploy it, despite most teams in New Zealand using v…
Ben Smith
09 May 2018, 2:51
Would Kiwi players help Aussie teams?
The problem is and has always been rugby is about national interests, not about creating an even professional competition. Super R…
Ben Smith
09 May 2018, 19:34
Where is Australia's next generational talent?
With four professional football codes – Aussie Rules, Rugby League, Football and Rugby Union, Rugby Australia has lost countless…
Ben Smith
25 Apr 2018, 0:03
How to fix the Blues - What the other teams are doing the Blues aren't
The Blues have lost their way, lost the interest of Aucklanders and the players and coaching staff look lost for answers. How did …
Ben Smith
21 Apr 2018, 18:39
Analysis: How the Reds need to use the Tongan Thor
When the 18-year-old Sacred Heart College prop went viral in 2014, it was the shear fascination of a 130kg front rower tearing a t…
Ben Smith
18 Apr 2018, 2:37
The $4,000,000 man - Why Rieko Ioane will earn more than Kieran Read
How much will it take to keep Rieko Ioane in New Zealand? The 21-year-old is off contract with the NZRU at the end of the year. Hi…
Ben Smith
19 Apr 2018, 20:32
It's time for the Waratahs to move on
Sometimes wins gloss over obvious failings, and this applies to the Waratahs who have won five from seven. They are about to make …
Ben Smith
16 Apr 2018, 18:34
Why no Australian side can beat a Kiwi team
It’s now been 687 days since an Australian side beat a Kiwi side in Super Rugby. After two contests in 2018, it doesn’t look p…
Ben Smith
14 Apr 2018, 23:44
Could the next All Blacks bolter be one of these two?
The top brass of the NZRU was in attendance at Westpac Stadium last night to see two of New Zealand's top sides play, with one eye…
Ben Smith
13 Apr 2018, 19:17
George Gregan on Aaron Smith vs Conor Murray debate
Wallabies great George Gregan has weighed in on the debate over who is the best halfback in the world, Aaron Smith or Conor Murray…
Ben Smith
06 Apr 2018, 0:21
Analysis: The Highlanders are the masters of chaos
Their methods revolve around creating as many destabilised situations as possible, putting the defence in scramble mode with the m…
Ben Smith
29 Mar 2018, 0:18
Jonny Wilkinson opens up over mental demons
England's 2003 Rugby World Cup hero and all-time great flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has opened up in a telling interview with the Expre…
Ben Smith
22 Mar 2018, 16:32
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, 7:47
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, 5:02
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, 4:06
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, 13:47
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, 13:25
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
07 Mar 2018, 0:02
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, 10:59
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, 6:35
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, 23:14
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, 16:42
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, 15:09
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, 17:54
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, 21:37
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, 19:28
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, 4:36
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, 15:51
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, 20:38
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, 19:37
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, 19:27
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, 18:49
Analysis: How Danny Cipriani found career-best form at Wasps
One would expect replacing Charles Piutau and Kurtley Beale would disrupt the attacking rhythm but the Wasps attack is firing on a…
Ben Smith
25 Jan 2018, 0:51
Analysis: How the Exeter Chiefs are revolutionising the wing position
In the English Premiership, Exeter Chiefs’ wingers are undergoing their own evolution, albeit with slightly less profile but no …
Ben Smith
16 Jan 2018, 19:57
Feature: Lima Sopoaga's legacy in New Zealand
Lima Sopoaga is the latest All Black to depart and join English Premiership side Wasps on a 2-year deal, and at just 26-years old …
Ben Smith
10 Jan 2018, 22:15
Hosea Saumaki 'Tongan Godzilla' joins Sunwolves squad
We labelled the relatively unknown Hosea Saumaki, as 'Japan's next superstar nobody knows about' in November last year and predic…
Ben Smith
09 Jan 2018, 18:17
Analysis: Could Stuart Hogg have scored that try against the All Blacks?
Could Stuart Hogg actually have scored the winner against the All Blacks and made history? We break down the play and conclusively…
Ben Smith
05 Jan 2018, 22:01
Analysis: How Beauden Barrett burns opposition halfbacks
While his personal favourite play might well be the kick-pass, this set piece play would go close. The play is designed for Barret…
Ben Smith
04 Jan 2018, 22:31
Quade Cooper adds fuel to Blues rumour
Each passing week it seems there are signs Quade to the Blues will actually happen.
Ben Smith
28 Dec 2017, 22:52
Australia's Top Super Rugby Rookies of 2017
Australia’s Super sides had a disastrous 2017, losing all 26 matches against their New Zealand counterparts and losing a franchi…
Ben Smith
28 Dec 2017, 20:13
NZ's Top Super Rugby Rookies of 2017
Very rarely does a player come through and get the opportunity to put together a meaningful rookie year in Super Rugby. This is ou…
Ben Smith
27 Dec 2017, 17:21
Analysis: Marcus Smith vs. Christian Lealiifano - The English prodigy against the Wallaby
The 29-year-old Lealiifano put together a vintage man-of-the-match performance in Ulster’s win, but not to be outdone, the 18-ye…
Ben Smith
19 Dec 2017, 23:06
Analysis: How Toulon use their jumbo-sized midfielders Ma'a Nonu and Mathieu Bastareaud
Toulon rely on the brutal running of Bastareaud, and compliment that with the full range of Nonu’s attacking game. This is how t…
Ben Smith
12 Dec 2017, 20:40
Analysis: How Rieko Ioane's lethal speed ripped apart Wales
He often makes big plays against the run of play - striking in the moment of instability, which is what makes him so dangerous.
Ben Smith
27 Nov 2017, 22:26
Analysis: How the Wallabies 'fake maul' set up Speight's try
It will be tougher to find & isolate weak defenders like they did on this set piece lineout move, but this play illustrated the Wa…
Ben Smith
07 Nov 2017, 20:40
Should the Queensland Reds re-sign Karmichael Hunt?
At 30 years old, Hunt’s career is in the twilight stages after stints in the NRL, AFL, and Super Rugby - but should the Reds thi…
Ben Smith
08 Nov 2017, 17:19
Analysis: Why Aaron Smith is so important to the All Blacks
With nearly half of all All Black tries this season coming from phase-play, one man is at the heart of driving this statistic.
Ben Smith
10 Nov 2017, 13:12
Will the Wallabies unleash the Tongan Thor?
YouTube sensation Taniela Tupou, known as the Tongan Thor, will be residentially qualified to play for the Wallabies next week in …
Ben Smith
15 Nov 2017, 16:22
Analysis: Why the Wallabies need to play Kurtley Beale at 12 against England
With Folau rested for the end of year tour, Beale has been playing fullback. However, if Australia is going to reverse their recen…
Ben Smith
15 Nov 2017, 18:42
Analysis: How the All Blacks unleashed Sonny Bill Williams against Scotland
The reality is the role Williams plays in the All Blacks midfield has changed. He is being asked to do different things, most of w…
Ben Smith
20 Nov 2017, 22:54
The night Beaudenism became a religion
The dawn of the Barrett era took many by surprise. No established player has had such a rapid ‘second’ ascension and change of…
Ben Smith
22 Nov 2017, 19:31
Why the Blues should sign Quade Cooper
Could the pairing of Super Rugby's most enigmatic player with its most frustrating team be a match made in heaven?
Ben Smith
04 Dec 2017, 20:08
Kieran Read to miss Wales test
"It's probably associated with [the hip flexor] ... he's bent over today and hurt it. He's in his bed and not very mobile at the m…
Ben Smith
23 Nov 2017, 16:25
Analysis: Ireland's killer blow against the Springboks – The triangle double screen
With just under ten minutes to play, Ireland held a 17-3 lead over South Africa. Ireland had worked into a dominant position in th…
Ben Smith
14 Nov 2017, 0:14
Rico Syme impresses in NZ Barbarians debut
Here are our three top performers of the match and names to watch out for in the future.
Ben Smith
03 Oct 2017, 16:23
NZ Schoolgirl delivers cracking textbook dump tackle
New Zealand schoolgirl rugby is just as physical as the boys, as this Fekitoa-like rush tackle proves. The Hamilton Girls midfield…
Ben Smith
11 Sep 2017, 19:32
