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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.

LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
04 Sep 2024, 6:00
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
12 Sep 2024, 4:01
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
19 Sep 2024, 5:40
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
26 Sep 2024, 7:48
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
01 Oct 2024, 12:26
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
08 Oct 2024, 16:15
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
15 Oct 2024, 16:09
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
18 Oct 2024, 16:50
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
30 Oct 2024, 11:55
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
23 Jun 2024, 16:41
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
11 Jun 2024, 8:52
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
31 May 2024, 6:14
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
23 May 2024, 16:37
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
18 May 2024, 3:21
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
13 May 2024, 9:28
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
08 May 2024, 16:36
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
29 Apr 2024, 11:15
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
22 Apr 2024, 12:52
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
19 Apr 2024, 4:48
LONG READ
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
Gregor Paul
11 Apr 2024, 11:47
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