Opinion
Are the All Blacks heading for a repeat of their classic World Cup blunder?
The All Blacks have too often gone into the World Cup without a specialist fullback wearing the No 15 jersey.
Gregor Paul
24 Jul 2023, 14:15
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.
Opinion
Has Jerome Kaino's All Blacks heir-apparent emerged just to say goodbye?
Shannon Frizell was the undisputed toughest forward on the field – and that includes the South Africans - and now the All Black …
Gregor Paul
21 Jul 2023, 10:18
Opinion
All Blacks peaking at perfect time for World Cup pilgrimage
It feels like the All Blacks may have timed their surge to the World Cup line extraordinarily well.
Gregor Paul
18 Jul 2023, 8:56
Opinion
The All Blacks have finally found that missing physical edge
Every time the All Blacks had the ball in Mendoza, they ran straight, hard and with real purpose - and it wasn’t just the forwar…
Gregor Paul
10 Jul 2023, 12:55
Opinion
The rich will get richer when the Nations Championship kicks off
Rugby could take one large step forward with the Nations Championship, but it needs to be careful that it doesn’t also take two …
Gregor Paul
05 Jul 2023, 16:23
Opinion
2023 may be just a warm-up ahead of Tonga's big Rugby World Cup charge
it’s not impossible to imagine a trio of All Blacks starring for New Zealand in 2023 and then for Tonga in 2027.
Gregor Paul
30 Jun 2023, 11:16
Opinion
New Zealand is out of sync with the rest of the world
The game in New Zealand is being refereed so differently to other nations.
Gregor Paul
26 Jun 2023, 11:44
Opinion
Foster's All Blacks finally have the squad to challenge the world's best
The hallmark of the Foster era was threatening to be his ability to produce physically insipid teams - but there's reason for hope…
Gregor Paul
20 Jun 2023, 9:47
Opinion
Razor's All Blacks appointment must end war between club and country
There continues to be considerable conflict between Super Rugby clubs and New Zealand Rugby.
Gregor Paul
06 Jun 2023, 8:50
Opinion
All Blacks face mammoth decision on the left wing
Which power winger will Ian Foster opt for when he names his All Blacks squad for the World Cup?
Gregor Paul
01 Jun 2023, 11:54
Opinion
Moana Pasifika must rethink their objectives
Moana Pasifika have not so yet proven to be the success story everyone hoped - but it's not all their own doing.
Gregor Paul
27 May 2023, 13:48
Opinion
It's time for New Zealand Rugby to look offshore for Super coaches
New Zealand rugby would open itself to an influx of new ideas if foreign coaches were on the agenda.
Gregor Paul
22 May 2023, 16:23
Opinion
Is New Zealand finally ready to commit their future to Japan?
NZR has never been certain how to approach rugby's next frontier.
Gregor Paul
16 May 2023, 16:38
Opinion
New Zealand has reason to feel aggrieved with Australia's latest tactics
Some of Rugby Australia's behaviour in recent times has been perplexing, to say the least.
Gregor Paul
10 May 2023, 16:37
Opinion
The All Blacks overseas selection policy is no longer fit for purpose
The arguments against selecting overseas All Blacks are dwindling.
Gregor Paul
01 May 2023, 20:00
Opinion
The All Blacks beast is stirring
The pieces are falling into place for the post-2023 All Blacks.
Gregor Paul
20 Apr 2023, 14:32
Opinion
It's up to New Zealand to boost rugby in Australia
Australian rugby won't just 'come right' without some external support.
Gregor Paul
13 Apr 2023, 4:31
Opinion
What's gone wrong with Beauden Barrett?
Beauden Barrett's form has been trending downwards for the better part of a year.
Gregor Paul
06 Apr 2023, 11:17
Opinion
Under the radar All Blacks have no time to spare
The All Blacks are building towards the World Cup in the most unconventional manner.
Gregor Paul
30 Mar 2023, 9:30
Opinion
Razor is the injection of authenticity NZ desperately needs
Scott Robertson will be one of the most engaging coaches on the international circuit.
Gregor Paul
23 Mar 2023, 11:49
