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, 6:14
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
'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, 8:52
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, 16:41
Opinion
Robertson plays a smart hand on All Blacks eligibility issue
The new coach wants his employers to keep an open mind on a policy which may need revising if New Zealand are to remain successful…
Gregor Paul
14 Jan 2024, 5:11
Opinion
The All Blacks feel the need for speed
Bloodied and bruised from the narrowest of World Cup losses, the All Blacks are hoping to speed up the Test game, but will others …
Gregor Paul
18 Dec 2023, 16:10
Opinion
Will arduous All Blacks schedule hamper Razor’s rebuild?
Expectations of a bold new era under Scott Robertson may be challenged by a run of 15 tests in 21 weeks in 2024
Gregor Paul
04 Dec 2023, 16:15
Opinion
How are the All Blacks going to replace Aaron Smith?
The legendary scrum-half revolutionised the way New Zealand try to play, but they may have a ready-made replacement in their ranks
Gregor Paul
21 Nov 2023, 15:46
Opinion
The time has come for NZR to make a call on All Blacks eligibility
New Zealand faces a tough decision about what to do about its current All Blacks eligibility rules.
Gregor Paul
10 Nov 2023, 12:26
Opinion
Have the All Blacks reconfirmed their status as rugby's most prized asset?
Bouncing back after a prolonged period of turbulence may heighten the mystique surrounding the All Blacks.
Gregor Paul
06 Nov 2023, 10:49
Opinion
The killer problem that plagued the All Blacks' World Cup campaign
The All Blacks had been riding their luck for longer than they should have thought safe.
Gregor Paul
30 Oct 2023, 13:09
Opinion
Rugby's most thrilling rivalry will take centre stage in World Cup final
England, Argentina, France, Ireland, Wales and Fiji might disagree, but the World Cup has landed the dream final.
Gregor Paul
27 Oct 2023, 11:51
Opinion
The All Blacks might just have the best wing combination in the world
Will Jordan and Mark Telea are giving the All Blacks a lethal attacking threat on both sides of the field.
Gregor Paul
22 Oct 2023, 11:39
Opinion
Richie Mo'unga has come of age as an All Blacks No 10
Perhaps the most important decision the All Blacks have made in the last 15 months has been to commit to Richie Mo’unga as their…
Gregor Paul
19 Oct 2023, 7:04
Opinion
The key to the All Blacks turning the tables on Ireland
The All Blacks have shown that they are a team that can fix itself, evolve and pick themselves up after crushing defeats
Gregor Paul
16 Oct 2023, 9:30
Opinion
It's time for Sam Cane to strike back
It’s a tough old business being captain in New Zealand where the public expect the skipper to be almost superhuman.
Gregor Paul
12 Oct 2023, 16:43
Opinion
Revenge on the mind: Win or lose in Paris, All Blacks have Ireland to thank
Ireland are precisely who New Zealand coach Ian Foster wanted to meet in the quarter-final of this World Cup.
Gregor Paul
10 Oct 2023, 6:29
Opinion
Barrett's belated midfield shift will one day become All Blacks folklore
Jordie has revolutionised the All Blacks attack from No 12 so why was there total resistance within the coaching group to shift hi…
Gregor Paul
07 Oct 2023, 11:49
Opinion
Wayne Smith approach to defence could be All Blacks' secret weapon
A last-minute arrival by Wayne Smith helped propel the All Blacks to a third World Cup title in 2015.
Gregor Paul
02 Oct 2023, 11:17
Opinion
Super Rugby Pacific's chickens are coming home to roost
The All Blacks and Wallabies have fallen down the world pecking order and there's no obvious end in sight for the slide.
Gregor Paul
29 Sep 2023, 5:18
Opinion
It's time to see if New Zealand Rugby's gamble will pay off
13 months ago New Zealand Rugby made the bold decision to stick with Ian Foster. Was it the right call?
Gregor Paul
25 Sep 2023, 12:56
