Opinion
The Rugby Championship
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.
193 Articles
Latest
12 days ago The Rugby Championship
The Rugby Championship has shown that the All Blacks are lacking power
19 days ago The Rugby Championship
The All Blacks are no longer trend-setters, they are followers
23 days ago The Rugby Championship
Leon MacDonald's swift departure from the All Blacks has caused shock
27 days ago The Rugby Championship
Why are Argentina still not a prize draw in New Zealand
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, 14:48
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, 16:27
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, 17:07
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, 14:03
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, 14:35
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, 7:01
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, 2:56
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, 4:27
Opinion
Buoyant England travel to New Zealand full of hope but are they walking into an All Blacks ambush?
There is some hope England can pull off their first victory on New Zealand soil since 2003, but the canny All Blacks lie in wait
Gregor Paul
23 Jun 2024, 15:41
Opinion
'Worst-case scenario' leaves All Blacks short of locks to face England
Injuries and retirements have decimated Scott Robertson's second-row options for his first Tests in charge.
Gregor Paul
11 Jun 2024, 7:52
Analysis
All Blacks pursue offshore stars to bolster experience deficit
Scott Robertson hopes to lure the likes of Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell home to cope with a demanding schedule.
Gregor Paul
31 May 2024, 5:14
Analysis
New Zealand Rugby primed for new civil war with players
Domestic chaos could impact the All Blacks as the RPA threatens to form a new entity outside NZR's authority.
Gregor Paul
23 May 2024, 15:37
Opinion
Why Sam Cane's path to retirement is perfect for him and the All Blacks
The brave, dependable New Zealand backrow will slip away from the Test arena at the end of the year after a stellar career
Gregor Paul
18 May 2024, 2:21
Opinion
The pressure is on Razor to find the next All Blacks No 6
The durability and grunt of Jerome Kaino has proven difficult to replace at blindside for the All Blacks
Gregor Paul
13 May 2024, 8:28
Analysis
Speeded-up Super Rugby Pacific provides blueprint for wider game
New data shows that innovations introduced in 2022 are producing less 'dead time' and a faster product.
Gregor Paul
08 May 2024, 15:36
Opinion
Hiring Rob Penney may be the Crusaders' first major mistake in 30 years
The coach's resume had red flags, yet the franchise seemed set on appointing a man with Cantabrian connections at any price.
Gregor Paul
29 Apr 2024, 10:15
Opinion
Who will be Robertson's choice as All Blacks captain?
New Zealand's new coach may have to take a leap of faith given there is 'no perfect choice' available to him.
Gregor Paul
22 Apr 2024, 11:52
Opinion
All Blacks sabbaticals ‘damage Super Rugby Pacific when it is fighting for survival’
Allowing stars to play elsewhere robs the competition of its biggest names and makes a mockery of NZR’s eligibility policy.
Gregor Paul
19 Apr 2024, 3:48
Opinion
Raw talent McKenzie primed to become next All Blacks No.10
Damian McKenzie is in pole position to become the All Blacks' new playmaker if he can polish up his game-management and decision-m…
Gregor Paul
11 Apr 2024, 10:47
Opinion
New Zealand embraces on-field reforms amid angst over balance sheet
Proposals designed to speed up the game will benefit the All Blacks but a bleak financial position is causing concern.
Gregor Paul
08 Apr 2024, 16:52
