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, 17:52
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
Why the All Blacks are serious about giving Sam Whitelock one last hurrah
Scott Robertson has put out feelers to one of his most trusted Lieutenants in order to hit the ground running as New Zealand coach
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Why NZ rugby is primed for renewed battle with league
With rugby league growing in popularity and power, union bosses are fighting another war with a rival code.
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Opinion
Crusaders won't be contenders without a top-class fly-half
The loss of Richie Mo'unga has dealt the serial Super Rugby champions a grievous blow.
Gregor Paul
14 Mar 2024, 7:43
Opinion
Elder statesman Barrett poised to retain key role in Robertson's All Blacks
The World Cup final appeared to be Beauden Barrett's last act with New Zealand, but he is set to remain an integral figure.
Gregor Paul
29 Feb 2024, 9:31
Opinion
Is New Zealand in danger of giving trade secrets to main rivals?
The continual loss of Kiwi coaching expertise to competitors could come back to bite the All Blacks
Gregor Paul
27 Feb 2024, 3:05
Opinion
How Joe Schmidt can make the Wallabies competitive again
The driven New Zealander with a passion for detail can rebuild Australia after the trauma of Eddie Jones' tenure.
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19 Feb 2024, 6:17
Analysis
Who can replace the iconic All Blacks duo Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick?
Josh Lord could be the answer as New Zealand seek to replace lock legends Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock.
Gregor Paul
14 Feb 2024, 11:28
Opinion
Grave questions loom for southern hemisphere nations in 2024
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have significant issues to combat this year.
Gregor Paul
15 Jan 2024, 2:54
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
