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.
209 Articles
Latest
21 days ago International Rugby
The coaching talent drain out of New Zealand continues apace
34 days ago Super Rugby Pacific
Super Rugby has started off with a bang but challenges await
41 days ago International Rugby
Barrett and McKenzie are now Razor's go-to fly-halves
105 days ago International Rugby
Robertson convinced All Blacks should have access to overseas players
Opinion
Can Will Jordan avoid the All Blacks curse of turning 27?
Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Jeff Wilson and Julian Savea all shone in an All Blacks jersey but their light dimmed mid-career
Gregor Paul
26 Nov 2024, 7:55
Opinion
Despite defeat in Paris, the real reason the All Blacks are feeling upbeat
Signs of progress for Scott Robertson and a resurgent Australia are reasons for optimism for an All Blacks collective
Gregor Paul
20 Nov 2024, 10:28
Opinion
Why a win over Ireland may have just changed everything for this All Blacks team
Scott Robertson has had his critics since taking over but a comfortable win over Ireland has given his side newfound belief
Gregor Paul
12 Nov 2024, 5:28
Opinion
'Reckless' All Blacks must clean up act to return to No.1
An endemic lack of discipline is the biggest issue impacting New Zealand's ability to regain their former status.
Gregor Paul
06 Nov 2024, 3:26
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
