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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 Nov 2023, 12:26
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.
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
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
21 Nov 2023, 15:46
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
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
04 Dec 2023, 16:15
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 …
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
18 Dec 2023, 16:10
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…
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
14 Jan 2024, 5:11
The All Blacks are impossibly difficult to understand
The All Blacks are capable of being both brilliant and awful in the space of 20 minutes.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 Sep 2023, 6:41
Commercial pressure on the All Blacks to deliver the grandest prize
One of sport's biggest brands, the more you win, the more big companies want to be associated with you, but at what cost?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
04 Sep 2023, 10:55
Why this could be the Rugby World Cup of disruptors
As emerging nations show their potential, this Rugby World Cup has major upset potential
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
01 Sep 2023, 16:44
'New Zealand have a deeply ingrained knack of losing their discipline'
If the All Blacks are losing the physical battle, they lose their discipline too.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
28 Aug 2023, 17:42
'The All Blacks have quietly morphed into Ireland'
How New Zealand - and Joe Schmidt - scrutinised the Irish playbook and liked what they saw.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
22 Aug 2023, 15:33
Eddie Jones' grenades mask the need for a complete rebuild of Australian rugby
Eddie Jones, the irascible Wallabies head coach, departed Australia with a trail of gunfire peppering the media
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
19 Aug 2023, 2:29
Why the pain of 2019 is the All Blacks' greatest weapon
It may be true that to you have to suffer defeat at a World Cup before you can win one.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
15 Aug 2023, 14:05
'The Rugby Championship is in danger of becoming an unlevel playing field'
Player welfare risks to much-travelled Springboks and Pumas are growing unacceptably high.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
12 Aug 2023, 9:51
'I did hope it would expand more' - how do New Zealand Rugby capitalise on surge of women's game?
What must New Zealand Rugby do to capture the momentum generated by the Women's World Cup?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 Aug 2023, 17:16
Why the Bledisloe Cup's future could be decided by a fly-half arms race
New Zealand and Australia have the crucial task of developing callow play-makers on their next Rugby World Cup cycles.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
07 Aug 2023, 10:32
All Blacks don't need any 'favours' from Wallabies in Dunedin
After a tough few years, the All Blacks aren't in need of any further 'adversity' ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
03 Aug 2023, 16:21
Scott Barrett comes of age to boost the All Blacks' World Cup crusade
The performances of Scott Barrett have threatened to break up the legendary partnership of Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
31 Jul 2023, 10:34
The All Blacks must break type and embrace the driving maul
Seen as plodding and lacking invention, the driving maul has its critics, but if the All Blacks are to succeed in France, they nee…
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
26 Jul 2023, 14:47
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
24 Jul 2023, 15:15
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 …
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
21 Jul 2023, 11:18
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
18 Jul 2023, 9:56
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…
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 Jul 2023, 13:55
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 …
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
05 Jul 2023, 17:23
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
30 Jun 2023, 12:16
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
26 Jun 2023, 12:44
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…
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
20 Jun 2023, 10:47
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
06 Jun 2023, 9:50
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?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
01 Jun 2023, 12:54
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
27 May 2023, 14:48
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
22 May 2023, 17:23
Is New Zealand finally ready to commit their future to Japan?
NZR has never been certain how to approach rugby's next frontier.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 May 2023, 17:38
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.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 May 2023, 17:37
The All Blacks overseas selection policy is no longer fit for purpose
The arguments against selecting overseas All Blacks are dwindling.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
01 May 2023, 21:00
The All Blacks beast is stirring
The pieces are falling into place for the post-2023 All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
20 Apr 2023, 15:32
It's up to New Zealand to boost rugby in Australia
Australian rugby won't just 'come right' without some external support.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
13 Apr 2023, 5:31
What's gone wrong with Beauden Barrett?
Beauden Barrett's form has been trending downwards for the better part of a year.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
06 Apr 2023, 12:17
Under the radar All Blacks have no time to spare
The All Blacks are building towards the World Cup in the most unconventional manner.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
30 Mar 2023, 10:30
Razor is the injection of authenticity NZ desperately needs
Scott Robertson will be one of the most engaging coaches on the international circuit.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
23 Mar 2023, 12:49
The former myth of a fading All Blacks aura is now a reality
Now, more than ever, the fear factor surrounding the All Blacks is flickering out.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
01 Nov 2022, 6:23
Mathieu Raynal's decision could spark an All Blacks revival
A fast game is a good game and World Rugby might have to act soon.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
30 Sep 2022, 12:06
Will the All Blacks prosper from another happy accident?
The All Blacks have generally improved this year as a result of their injuries.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Sep 2022, 8:20
Ian Foster's reappointment shows nothing compares to a World Cup
We are back once again to judging a four-year tenure on a seven-week tournament.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
19 Aug 2022, 12:04
The All Blacks playmaking battle that never was
The battle between Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga never really took off for the All Blacks - and it's come back to bite them.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
11 Aug 2022, 12:21
Sam Cane can silence captaincy questions with Springboks statement
Sam Cane doesn’t need to be a great captain to survive, but he does need to be a great player.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
04 Aug 2022, 13:04
Why Ian Foster conundrum differs to All Blacks' past struggles
This is no unprecedented times for the All Blacks - but the circumstances aren't entirely the same as in the past.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
20 Jul 2022, 4:35
Richie McCaw's legacy has painted a target on the All Blacks
For years, many believed the All Blacks were given the rub of the green by referees.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
13 Jul 2022, 5:11
A disrupted start may pave the way for All Blacks World Cup success
A week of player-led preparation could be just the tonic needed by the All Blacks/
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
05 Jul 2022, 11:38
Schmidt will help All Blacks see themselves through northern eyes
Joe Schmidt has a deep understanding of Northern Hemisphere rugby, which can only benefit the All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Dec 2021, 7:33
Can Will Jordan buck the trend of All Blacks wings?
WIll Jordan has all the skills to buck the trend of All Blacks wingers heading south.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
05 Dec 2021, 11:10
The massive challenge looming for Super Rugby Pacific
Super Rugby is struggling thanks to the comparative buying powers of offshore clubs.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
30 Nov 2021, 12:38
Plethora of northern clashes will fast track All Blacks in 2022
A return to a relatively regular schedule next season should put the All Blacks in good stead.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
26 Nov 2021, 12:51
Fix imperative for All Blacks' Groundhog Day situation
The All Blacks have plenty to work on in 2022 but calls for a coaching switch-up may be premature.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
23 Nov 2021, 14:40
Common theme in All Blacks losses major cause for concern
The All Blacks know their weaknesses - but they can't seem to correct them.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
15 Nov 2021, 17:14
A new chapter begins for rugby's fiercest modern rivalry
Ireland and the All Blacks have fought out some ferocious battles in the past decade.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
09 Nov 2021, 18:44
Difference maker in Wales v All Blacks not player availability
All test matches are money-spinners, and those criticising the All Blacks' win over Wales have missed the point.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
02 Nov 2021, 8:30
All Blacks exactly where they need to be as key cavalry arrives
The All Blacks were out-muscled by the Springboks - but they were also stripped of some key figures.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
27 Oct 2021, 9:08
History won't repeat itself with new All Blacks lock Josh Lord
Josh Lord isn't the first Taranaki second-rower to be plucked from relative obscurity into the All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
24 Oct 2021, 8:06
Private capital the tonic needed to revitalise Rugby Championship
Without some fresh ideas, the Rugby Championship will lose its last rays of lustre.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
14 Oct 2021, 15:25
Drownings inevitable in All Blacks' deepening talent pool
The All Blacks have developed some great depth in 2021 but the squeeze will come on.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
08 Oct 2021, 20:20
Southern Hemisphere stocks soaring after Rugby Championship
All three of the traditional Southern Hemisphere superpowers have reasons to be positive.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
02 Oct 2021, 23:10
Has Springboks speedbump forced an All Blacks rethink?
Everything was going swimmingly for the All Blacks until the Springboks came along.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
30 Sep 2021, 22:11
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
The All Blacks are one of the few sides in world rugby that thrive with the favourites tag.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
26 Sep 2021, 0:48
TJ Perenara returns to the All Blacks hot seat
Aaron Smith's ongoing absence from the All Blacks grants TJ Perenara the chance to reaffirm his standing.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
23 Sep 2021, 19:43
Recognising Scott Barrett's rise into locking royalty
Scott Barrett may be the least appreciated player in the All Blacks, but also one of the most important.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Sep 2021, 20:41
Never doubt a wounded All Blacks No 10
Beauden Barrett, despite what some may suggest, is not done with being the All Blacks' first-choice pivot just yet.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
11 Sep 2021, 21:15
Why the 2021 edition of Bledisloe III is a different beast
Far from a dead rubber, the third Bledisloe test will be a key match for the All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
01 Sep 2021, 17:53
Unprecedented All Blacks tour will separate boys from men
The All Blacks are now engaging in one of the biggest tours of the modern era.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
26 Aug 2021, 19:23
Fact-checking Dave Rennie's plan to beat the All Blacks
Dave Rennie made an interesting claim following the Wallabies' loss to the All Blacks in Bledisloe II.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
23 Aug 2021, 19:11
The Ioane brothers are coming of age for the All Blacks
After some false starts, Akira and Rieko Ioane are now making all the right moves for the All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
17 Aug 2021, 18:56
The game-defining war between All Blacks and Springboks
High-risk and low-risk rugby will go head to head when the Springboks and All Blacks clash in 2021.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
09 Aug 2021, 22:39
World Rugby must protect the mental health of referees
As with any other professional athletes, rugby referees are increasingly coming under attack.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
04 Aug 2021, 19:17
Rassie Erasmus' Lions meltdown isn't entirely unfounded
Rassie Erasmus was wrong to be so public with his complaints, but he wasn’t wrong to be concerned.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
30 Jul 2021, 19:41
Trans-Tasman relations under more duress
Whenever there has been tension between the New Zealand and Australia unions, it hasn't ended well.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
29 Jul 2021, 19:01
David Havili proving All Blacks dream is alive and real
More often than not, it can take a little bit of time before players really embed themselves into test rugby.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
21 Jul 2021, 19:12
TJ Perenara the new guide for integrating returning All Blacks
TJ Perenara will follow a different path back into the All Blacks than Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
19 Jul 2021, 18:23
Ian Foster's All Blacks vision taking slow steps forward
We don't yet have a full appreciation of what Ian Foster is trying to do as head coach of the All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Jul 2021, 19:52
Rugby's eligibility laws relics of a bygone era
Did rugby throw the baby out with the bathwater when they changed the international eligibility laws?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
13 Jul 2021, 1:11
Rieko Ioane's chance to cement All Blacks centre shift
Injuries have given Rieko Ioane a clear run at the All Blacks No 13 jersey.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
09 Jul 2021, 20:32
All Blacks depth reaching bursting point
The All Blacks have plenty of options to pick from but few certain starters amongst their squad.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
06 Jul 2021, 20:06
Finding space for Japan in The Rugby Championship
Japan can't suddenly be expected to regularly compete with the superpowers of world rugby.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
05 Jul 2021, 19:10
Is Jordie Barrett the fix to the All Blacks' problem position?
It may be a left-field move, but Jordie Barrett has all the skills needed for a shift back to the midfield.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
01 Jul 2021, 1:56
The cultural shift that's transformed the All Blacks
A massive change in the All Blacks culture is helping to bring the best out of players.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
28 Jun 2021, 19:19
The struggle to replace Ma'a Nonu
The All Blacks are yet to find a midfielder that possesses the same subtleties to their game as Ma'a Nonu.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
24 Jun 2021, 18:31
How the All Blacks will bring fire back to the fore in 2021
The All Blacks have selected a set of forwards that can bring some much-needed aggression to the pack.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
22 Jun 2021, 21:45
A handful of debutants likely for All Blacks re-build
After a limited year in 2020, the All Blacks finally have a full calendar ahead of them to rebuild.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
15 Jun 2021, 23:07
No more false starts in battle for All Blacks No 10 jersey
The extended 2021 season will finally allow for a proper head-to-head for the All Blacks No 10 jersey.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
11 Jun 2021, 19:18
Lions provide blueprint for global game
The British and Irish Lions of 2017 set the standards for the years to come. Will the same be the case in 2021?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
08 Jun 2021, 19:15
Taking back the throne
Aaron Smith has taken his game to new heights in 2021 and is back in the conversation for world's best.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
31 May 2021, 19:02
Gamble of a lifetime
By focusing on the Olympics, Caleb Clarke is putting his spot in the All Blacks pecking order at risk.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
28 May 2021, 18:58
Victory breeds complacency
A weak Super Rugby competition will continue to harm performances on the international stage.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
25 May 2021, 19:06
Read between the lines
Kieran Read, perhaps the greatest No 8 of the modern era, has finally hung up his boots.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
23 May 2021, 18:29
The L word
Employees wouldn't normally have a say in how a business is run, but professional sport is a different beast.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
18 May 2021, 19:30
Decision time
A mid-season off-shore signing has hampered the final weeks of many a player's New Zealand career.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
13 May 2021, 18:26
A closer shave
Scott Robertson has led the Crusaders to a fifth title but has that enhanced his All Blacks chances?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
09 May 2021, 20:01
Homegrown hit
The Crusaders have built a dynasty on nurturing young talent, not buying superstars.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
06 May 2021, 19:32
Testing times
Are the All Blacks going to do the impossible and play less but make more money?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
04 May 2021, 17:14
Intellectual poverty
Fluid movement of players and coaches means intellectual property is always going to be tough to lock down.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
29 Apr 2021, 17:56
Blue is the coldest colour
Things appear to be unravelling at the Blues and this time, there are no ready made excuses.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
25 Apr 2021, 3:47
On the hook
The fire that burns within Dane Coles is raging still, which is why he’s put off retiring.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
20 Apr 2021, 18:26
Pacific pathway
Moana Pasifika's genesis is the first step to helping Pasifika rugby thrive, but an important one nonetheless.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
18 Apr 2021, 18:00
Midfield muddle
More questions than answers continue to arise in the All Blacks’ quest to rebuild their midfield.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Apr 2021, 18:58
Flicking the switch
Nathan Sharpe talks about how Eddie Jones masterminded the 2003 World Cup win over New Zealand
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Apr 2021, 8:24
Nothing is impossible
Passion and resilience underpin the MLR and make everyone confident the US competition will flourish.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
14 Apr 2021, 18:53
Silver bullet or silver medal?
A probable $465m cash injection is going to change New Zealand rugby forever.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
09 Apr 2021, 18:31
Simply the best
Ali Williams compares his former teammates Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson, two of the best 10s to play the game.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
25 Mar 2021, 20:33
Raising the bar
When will Richie Mo'unga finally transfer his excellent Super Rugby form into the test arena?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
23 Mar 2021, 0:19
Attack force one
If Super Rugby looks to be a different game entirely to the Six Nations, that's because it is.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
19 Mar 2021, 18:07
Myth buster
Folau Fakatava should ignore the selection myth that players need to start for their clubs to be All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 Mar 2021, 20:14
Task master
Patrick Tuipulotu has helped mould the Blues into his own hard-working image.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
05 Mar 2021, 16:18
Game of thrones
New Zealand seems to want uncertainty to prevail when it comes to major coaching roles.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
28 Feb 2021, 16:48
Lost identity
The Highlanders have brought in Tony Brown to help them find who they really are.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
24 Feb 2021, 14:56
All or nothing
All Blacks great Dan Carter officially bows out at a time when his body was still willing - even at almost 39.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
24 Feb 2021, 14:53
Redemption time
David Havili will be eager to bounce back after illness and Covid de-railed his stunning start to 2020.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
24 Feb 2021, 14:52
The unwinnable war
World Rugby is killing the game with its futile attempt to eradicate rather than reduce contact to the head.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
14 Feb 2021, 16:14
Reaching new heights
Test centurion Tamara Taylor talks about the highs and lows of her career
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
14 Feb 2021, 5:03
Finding paradise
Too much rugby is going to be a thing of the past for the best players in Australasia.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
04 Feb 2021, 19:23
Culture clash
If the New Zealand Rugby strikes a private equity deal, it is going to force a radical culture shift in the All Blacks' traditiona…
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
22 Jan 2021, 16:05
Loss leaders
Two major losses in the last 12 months could be the emotional fuel that rebuilds the All Blacks.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
18 Jan 2021, 18:20
Charmed life
All Blacks captains have seemingly been subject to different rules because of their reputation.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
09 Jan 2021, 16:50
Tough at the top
The pressure and expectation that comes with the All Blacks captaincy has been too hard for some players to handle.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
01 Jan 2021, 15:55
Captain's knock
A broken foot, a ripped testicle, whatever the injury, an All Blacks captain will find a way to play on.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
25 Dec 2020, 17:38
Best in show
The best All Blacks captains are, more often than not, the All Blacks' best players.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
25 Dec 2020, 17:21
Bargain hunters
The Six Nations need to admit their obsession with New Zealand and now South Africa is hurting them.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
22 Dec 2020, 15:13
Prime target
Aaron Smith is off contract next year and the All Blacks know the importance of locking him in until 2023.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Dec 2020, 15:09
Boom and bust
New Zealand has known great riches at No 10 but is currently experiencing a genuine dearth of talent in a key position.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 Dec 2020, 21:30
Second wind
Liam Squire is back with the Highlanders and has rediscovered a desire to play test football.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
06 Dec 2020, 16:57
Rebuilding great
Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick are poised to re-establish themselves as the world's premier locking combination.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
02 Dec 2020, 14:42
Miracle man
The All Blacks' search for a game-changing impact player may be over.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
28 Nov 2020, 17:04
Breaking the stranglehold
Unless there's a dramatic shift in the way the game is played, fans won't return to stadiums any time soon.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
26 Nov 2020, 14:15
Collapse of an empire
Once imperious and almost unbeatable, the All Blacks are now in the midst of a crisis that many fear will never end.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
14 Nov 2020, 15:46
Mind over matter
The All Blacks’ mental skills helped them win consecutive World Cups. Is it becoming a weakness again?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
11 Nov 2020, 18:10
High stakes
The All Blacks are struggling to come to terms with World Rugby's efforts to stamp out high tackling.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
10 Nov 2020, 22:51
Double trouble
Everyone said the All Blacks were mad to shift Beauden Barrett to fullback. But it turns out everyone was wrong.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
07 Nov 2020, 16:57
Fear factor
Pasifika's dreams continue to be crushed. Is it because Oceania's heavyweights fear for their labour supply?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
30 Oct 2020, 18:17
Defence against the dark arts
The All Blacks are no strangers to filth and yet they have no love of the enforcer.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
23 Oct 2020, 19:05
Flash in the pan
The All Blacks are rightfully fearful expectation could limit Caleb Clarke's potential.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
19 Oct 2020, 19:36
Flaw in the Death Star
The All Blacks can't win games by dropping a goal and it's a big problem for them.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
13 Oct 2020, 23:02
Powered by pain
Losing to England means the All Blacks start a new era with a pain that will fuel them for years.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
09 Oct 2020, 18:18
Hanging by a thread
Australia and New Zealand currently hate each other, but they desperately need each other.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
02 Oct 2020, 18:12
Chance of a lifetime
A Pacific Island Super Rugby team could change the power base of the global game.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
22 Sep 2020, 19:47
Against the odds
Emotionally and physically broken at 27, former All Black Richard Kahui is still playing at 35.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
22 Sep 2020, 3:58
Dream ticket
Fiji have assembled a gifted coaching team. Is a world rankings rise on the cards?
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
19 Sep 2020, 19:18
Rugby reborn
Covid brought the death of Super Rugby, but it also saw NZ fall back in love with the game.
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
16 Sep 2020, 19:56
The worst ideas in rugby history
In the hindsight Olympics, we’re all winners but sometimes, it goes, horribly, horribly wrong
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
07 Sep 2020, 9:49
The fall and rise of Rieko Ioane
Dropped by the All Blacks his world fell apart but Ioane has his mojo back
FEATURE
Gregor Paul
07 Sep 2020, 9:28
