Opinion
A radical merger for Super Rugby to revive itself
The revamped Super Rugby Pacific competition, now in its third year, is still trying to capture imagination and relevance post-Sou…
Ben Smith
07 Apr 2024, 20:41
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.
All Black Emoni Narawa on his dazzling return to Chiefs
The road back to the field for Emoni Narawa has been a long one but the flying wing looked in cruise control as he ran in three tr…
Ben Smith
06 Apr 2024, 19:21
Etene Nanai-Seturo on the Chiefs' success out wide after demolition of Moana Pasifika
The Chiefs celebrated Etene Nanai-Seturo's 50th appearance in Super Rugby with a 10-try rout of Moana Pasifika in Hamilton.
Ben Smith
06 Apr 2024, 17:50
Opinion
Super Rugby Pacific takes: Tele'a world's best, Ratima must start
Round six of Super Rugby Pacific saw the Crusaders register their first win of the season over the Chiefs on Friday night to avoid…
Ben Smith
03 Apr 2024, 20:13
Mike Cron on why he joined the Wallabies and the 'big gap'
After several months of pursuit from Joe Schmidt, scrum guru Mike Cron was convinced to lend a helping hand to the Wallabies after…
Ben Smith
02 Apr 2024, 17:57
'Not the international arena': Why Beauden Barrett is All Blacks' saviour
The All Blacks first five-eighth stocks have been depleted following uncertainty around Stephen Perofeta of the Blues and Damian M…
Ben Smith
02 Apr 2024, 14:59
The Chiefs' Damian McKenzie problem laid bare
The Chiefs weren't able to travel to Christchurch and beat the Crusaders without their star No 10 Damian McKenzie.
Ben Smith
01 Apr 2024, 16:54
'He might not do the brilliant things': Blues halfback tipped as All Blacks starter
Cam Roigard's leg injury suffered against the Highlanders is expected to be serious, leading to potentially six months on the side…
Ben Smith
01 Apr 2024, 15:58
De Groot returns for Highlanders to play Hurricanes
All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot returns to the Highlanders as they prepare to face on the best front rows in Super Rugby Pacific ag…
Ben Smith
26 Mar 2024, 22:49
Hurricanes make several changes ahead of Tyrel Lomax's 100th
The Hurricanes have leaned on the depth in their squad bringing back a handful of starters for their derby with the Highlanders in…
Ben Smith
26 Mar 2024, 22:29
'It's an All Black discussion': The pair of young Hurricanes tipped for black jerseys
The Hurricanes' depth was on show as they demolished the Melbourne Rebels in Palmerston North after making 14 changes to their sta…
Ben Smith
26 Mar 2024, 17:36
Opinion
Super Rugby takes: All Blacks' next enforcer, New Zealand's goal kicking woes
Round five of Super Rugby Pacific saw the Chicago Drua beat the Waratahs in Fiji, the Hurricanes pounded the Rebels, and the Chief…
Ben Smith
25 Mar 2024, 21:59
'It works': What the Highlanders proved in comeback versus Chiefs
The Highlanders winless streak against New Zealand teams continued with a 28-21 loss to the Chiefs but a brave fightback has prove…
Ben Smith
23 Mar 2024, 20:48
'It's costing us': David Havili on where the Crusaders are struggling at the moment
Crusaders captain David Havili had a simple message for his side after the ventured into unfamiliar territory with an 0-5 start to…
Ben Smith
23 Mar 2024, 17:06
Stephen Perofeta on the key to the Blues win over the Crusaders
First five-eighth Stephen Perofeta said the key for the Blues beating the Crusaders was "keeping it simple" as they relied on phys…
Ben Smith
23 Mar 2024, 16:42
Opinion
The All Blacks' front row could all be Hurricanes at this point
The surface value stat of scrum wins by the Hurricanes doesn't reflect how utterly dominant they have been this year. They've put …
Ben Smith
20 Mar 2024, 17:05
Welsh international returns for Highlanders but De Groot ruled out
The Highlanders will be without All Black prop Ethan de Groot for their clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton due to HIA protocols.…
Ben Smith
19 Mar 2024, 22:36
Crusaders crisis deepens as former All Black prop hit with ban
The Crusaders will be without former All Black prop Owen Franks after his illegal cleanout in the dying stages of the loss to Hurr…
Ben Smith
18 Mar 2024, 16:44
Opinion
Super Rugby takes: Brett Cameron is McKenzie's back-up, no All Blacks No 6 apparent
Looking around the landscape of the New Zealand teams, it becomes apparent that Hurricanes first five-eighth Brett Cameron is the …
Ben Smith
17 Mar 2024, 22:20
Six Nations 2024: England aren't back, Ireland's title should be cherished
The 2024 Six Nations is over with Ireland crowned champions once again after success in 2023, but change is in the wind with Italy…
Ben Smith
17 Mar 2024, 1:12
