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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.

Hurricanes retain just four starters to play Moana Pasifika

The Hurricanes have rung the changes for their next home clash against Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium this Friday night.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
15 May 2024, 0:34

Ex-All Black tables conspiracy theory over Sam Cane's retirement

Former All Black fullback Israel Dagg is at a loss to explain the international retirement of current captain Sam Cane, sharing hi…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
14 May 2024, 21:27

Young back row named by Highlanders to face Crusaders

The Highlanders have named a young back row to take the Crusaders as they look to end a multi-year losing streak against New Zeala…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
08 May 2024, 0:51

Crusaders boosted by the return of two All Blacks for Southern Derby

The Crusaders have been boosted by the return of two All Blacks in the front row as they look to put a disappointing 33-28 loss to…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
08 May 2024, 0:36

Hurricanes name 6-2 bench split to play the Blues at Eden Park

The Hurricanes have named their team to play the Blues as the two best sides in Super Rugby Pacific prepare to square off at Eden …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
08 May 2024, 0:20

Rieko Ioane out but Zarn Sullivan back for Blues to play the Hurricanes

The Blues will be without star centre Rieko Ioane for their blockbuster clash with the Hurricanes with the All Black undertaking c…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
08 May 2024, 0:12

New Zealand Warriors claim 'unprecedented influx' in rugby union signings

The rise in popularity of the New Zealand Warriors has lead to an 'unprecedented influx' in the number of former schoolboy rugby u…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
07 May 2024, 23:03

Battle of potential All Black No.8s: Hoskins Sotutu vs Brayden Iose

The Blues and Hurricanes will met in Auckland for the second time this season which will pit All Black hopefuls Hoskins Sotutu and…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
07 May 2024, 18:42
Opinion

Where does this Hurricanes side rank among the franchise's all-time teams

The 2024 Hurricanes won't become the first team in Super Rugby history to put forth an undefeated season, but they may just become…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
06 May 2024, 22:25

Concerns over Scott Barrett as five key All Blacks sidelined

Crusaders captain Scott Barrett lasted just 13 minutes in his return as back spasms forced him from the field against the Reds as …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
05 May 2024, 19:55

New Zealand U20 make seven changes to play Argentina

New Zealand U20 head coach Jono Gibbes has made seven changes to the side that drew 13-all with South Africa U20 in torrential con…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
05 May 2024, 19:03
Opinion

Chiefs vs Force takeaways: Kiwi team bloodbath coming, McKenzie over Barrett

The Chiefs ran all over the Western Force for 56-7 win in Hamilton to stay in the hunt for a top four finish in Super Rugby Pacifi…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
04 May 2024, 23:51
Opinion

Crusaders vs Reds takeaways: Halfpenny disappoints, the verdict on Havili at 10

The Queensland Reds came away with their first win since 1999 by beating the Crusaders 33-28 in a thrilling Super Rugby Pacific ma…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
04 May 2024, 18:53
Opinion

New Zealand U20s vs South Africa U20s takeaways: Solomon the spark in the wet, tall pack dominates

New Zealand U20s and South Africa U20s played out the inaugural Rugby Championship U20 match in torrential rain as wet conditions …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 May 2024, 5:38

Two injury changes for the Highlanders ahead of Tonga trip

The Highlanders have named their team for their trip to play Moana Pasifika in Nuku’alofa for the first-ever Super Rugby Pacific…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 May 2024, 0:50

Leigh Halfpenny named for Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific debut

Welsh international Leigh Halfpenny has been named for his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Crusaders against the Queensland Red…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 May 2024, 0:31
Opinion

The All Blacks outplayed the Springboks in the World Cup final

They say that history is written by the victors, and that is certainly true with Chasing the Sun 2 highlighting the exploits of th…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
30 Apr 2024, 23:32

New Zealand U20 team named to play South Africa in U20 Rugby Championship opener

New Zealand U20 head coach Jono Gibbes has named a 23-man team to play South Africa on the Sunshine Coast in the inaugural U20 Rug…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
30 Apr 2024, 21:38

'It's ridiculous': Ex-All Blacks defend Samipeni Finau after Tane Edmed hit

Two former All Blacks have come to the defence of Chiefs' blindside Samipeni Finau after his crunching tackle on Tane Edmed was pu…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 Apr 2024, 21:35
Opinion

Super Rugby takes: Brumbies deserve more respect, Highlanders should raid Hurricanes

After ten rounds of Super Rugby Pacific, the top four is yet to be decided while many teams are fighting for their seasons. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 Apr 2024, 1:42
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