Opinion
International Rugby
Contributors
Gregor Paul
Gregor is New Zealand's best-read rugby commentator and analyst having been the voice of the Herald's rugby coverage since 2004. He's also written seven books about rugby and edited NZ Rugby World since 2007.
205 Articles
Latest
25 days ago Autumn Nations Series
The prolific wing is breaking records but how long can it continue?
31 days ago Autumn Nations Series
All Blacks missed out narrowly to France but have reason for optimism
39 days ago Autumn Nations Series
Beating their new rivals has instilled a new belief in the All Blacks
45 days ago International Rugby
New Zealand's lack of discipline is a major issue holding them back
Opinion
Rugby fans are about to find out what Robertson's All Blacks are made of
A rebuilding phase for New Zealand has laid the foundations and it is time to see how robust those building blocks really are
Gregor Paul
30 Oct 2024, 11:55
Opinion
Cautious Robertson 'has to produce wins more than next generation players'
The All Blacks coach's selection policy for their northern tour is in sharp contrast to his predecessors.
Gregor Paul
18 Oct 2024, 16:50
Opinion
The rugby world is concerned about Australia but signs of recovery are palpable
It has been a chastening period for Australian rugby but with a Lions tour next summer and World Cup in the distance, hope abounds
Gregor Paul
15 Oct 2024, 16:09
Opinion
Can New Zealand beat the world's best without Barrett at 10?
Even at 33, Beauden Barrett may be the All Blacks' 'franchise quarterback' through to Rugby World Cup 2027.
Gregor Paul
08 Oct 2024, 16:15
Opinion
Do All Blacks get shot of 'sheriff' Cane or take him on tour?
There is an argument for taking the All Blacks Test centurion to Europe but the stakes are high for Scott Robertson
Gregor Paul
01 Oct 2024, 12:26
Opinion
How the All Blacks are enduring pain now in readiness for 2027 RWC crusade
The All Blacks have posted mediocre results, by their own high standards, but sunnier uplands await with a crop of gifted youngste…
Gregor Paul
26 Sep 2024, 7:48
Opinion
Why the All Blacks overlooking Joe Schmidt could yet hurt them in the Bledisloe battle
The Wallabies are down on confidence but they face an All Blacks team with their own issues, and Kiwi Joe Schmidt yet hurt them
Gregor Paul
19 Sep 2024, 5:40
Opinion
Scott Robertson has mounting problems to fix for misfiring All Blacks
A new coaching era has brought the same old problems and New Zealand are struggling to retain their aura as the world's best team
Gregor Paul
12 Sep 2024, 4:01
Opinion
Why the domestic departure of South Africa has left the All Blacks short of power
The might of the South African team has been sorely missed from Super Rugby and the All Blacks are struggling to replicate their p…
Gregor Paul
04 Sep 2024, 6:00
Opinion
'The All Blacks have been surpassed by South Africa, Ireland and even France as the game’s dominant force'
New Zealand used to rule the world when it came to innovation but since the pandemic they have lost their cutting edge
Gregor Paul
28 Aug 2024, 6:03
Opinion
Leon MacDonald's unexpected exit point to Scott Robertson's first major All Blacks test
Only five games into Scott Robertson's coaching tenure, he has parted ways with a respected coach to raise more questions than ans…
Gregor Paul
23 Aug 2024, 17:49
Opinion
More successful than the Wallabies in New Zealand, why are Argentina still unloved?
Los Pumas have earnt grudging respect from the New Zealand public but they do not put bums on seats and that is a concern
Gregor Paul
20 Aug 2024, 10:56
Opinion
No need for All Blacks to hit the panic button after shaky Robertson start
Scott Robertson has had a sticky start to life as All Blacks head coach but he must be given time to implement his coaching philos…
Gregor Paul
13 Aug 2024, 15:48
Analysis
Why the All Blacks need their own Antoine Dupont
Since the iconic Aaron Smith retired, New Zealand have been in search for a No 9 with the influence of Antoine Dupont
Gregor Paul
06 Aug 2024, 17:27
Opinion
Why the All Blacks have a full house of prop stars in their midst
For all the talk of the 'Bomb Squad' in South Africa, Scott Robertson will be quietly pleased with his depth up front as they buil…
Gregor Paul
01 Aug 2024, 18:07
Opinion
Why Scott Robertson may need to ease big names aside for All Blacks' flexibility
For too long New Zealand have been unable to employ a plan B. To do that, some sacred All Black cows may need to be slaughtered.
Gregor Paul
22 Jul 2024, 15:03
Opinion
'The All Blacks won the series, but not in the way they wanted'
England exposed numerous frailties in New Zealand ranks and highlighted the need for a few selection changes.
Gregor Paul
15 Jul 2024, 15:35
Opinion
England expose All Blacks' vulnerability and should strive to level Series
A relieved Scott Robertson came through the first Test and he knows his players need to step up to avoid a first Eden Park defeat …
Gregor Paul
10 Jul 2024, 8:01
Opinion
Are the All Blacks playing the retention game and losing?
New Zealand rugby has seen at first a trickle but now a steady flow of talent going offshore to hurt them where it counts
Gregor Paul
03 Jul 2024, 3:56
Opinion
How the All Blacks squad Razor built will fare against England
Feverish excitement preceded the announcement of the first All Blacks squad under the new coach but continuity was the order of th…
Gregor Paul
26 Jun 2024, 5:27
