Fullback gambit
The All Blacks' dual-playmaker strategy requires a demanding skillset from NZ fullbacks.
Tom Vinicombe
11 Jan 2021, 18:41
Contributors
Tom Vinicombe
@TomVinicombe
Tom Vinicombe is Southern Hemisphere features editor for RugbyPass. Tom has travelled the world covering rugby and lived in Europe, Asia and Oceania.
Warren Gatland's sticky situation: where to for the Kiwi coach if the Lions tour is canned?
The possible postponement of the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour could create a sticky situation for Warren Gatland and the Chie…
Tom Vinicombe
09 Jan 2021, 20:26
'At least my player rating is good': Joe Rokocoko's take on arguably his crowning rugby achievement
There are some accomplishments in the world of professional rugby that only a minority of players are ever able to achieve. There'…
Tom Vinicombe
06 Jan 2021, 22:11
Annus mirabilis
He started the year a hopeful sevens player but Caleb Clarke ended 2020 as a global superstar.
Tom Vinicombe
04 Jan 2021, 16:35
Fresh start
After four years at the Chiefs, fullback Solomon Alaimalo hopes a move to the Highlanders will reignite his career.
Tom Vinicombe
17 Dec 2020, 16:10
Blessings and boredom: Why repeating history in 2023 won't be the undoing of Kiwi coaches
Rugby’s flagship event likely won’t throw out too many surprises in France - and the many Kiwi coaches across the globe have e…
Tom Vinicombe
14 Dec 2020, 23:01
Where the All Blacks' succession planning took a back seat in 2020
The All Blacks played just six matches this year and opportunities for welcoming in a new generation of talent have been few and f…
Tom Vinicombe
09 Dec 2020, 18:32
Mana on mana
The Maori All Blacks holds a special place for those who put on the famous jersey.
Tom Vinicombe
03 Dec 2020, 23:09
Super Rugby 2021: The hapless men who missed out on contracts - and the players who might be counting their lucky stars
Amongst the almost 200 players selected for NZ Super Rugby sides for 2021, there are certainly a few men who will count themselves…
Tom Vinicombe
02 Dec 2020, 22:15
Four age-grade stars elevated to settled Crusaders squad for unprecedented five-peat attempt
If there were any uncertainties surrounding whether or not the Crusaders could secure a fifth Super Rugby title on the trot, today…
Tom Vinicombe
02 Dec 2020, 12:01
Former Blues star links up with Hurricanes as great redemption arc continues
While the Hurricanes had already revealed many of their key signings for next year ahead of the official squad release, they've st…
Tom Vinicombe
02 Dec 2020, 12:00
Home comforts
Bryn Gatland has finally landed his dream contract at the Chiefs.
Tom Vinicombe
01 Dec 2020, 15:36
'I've probably got to do the most work in the team': Dane Coles and All Blacks' discipline set for another harsh examination on Saturday
Were it not for a few soft penalties, the All Blacks may well have escaped from their previous match against Argentina with a win.…
Tom Vinicombe
25 Nov 2020, 21:42
Saturday's test last chance saloon for fringe All Blacks before Super Rugby open season
While South Africa’s withdrawal late in the piece likely curtailed any plans Ian Foster may have had for selecting a bumper squa…
Tom Vinicombe
25 Nov 2020, 17:37
Rethinking the Argentina approach
Argentina's victory over New Zealand showed that more matches don't always lead to better results.
Tom Vinicombe
18 Nov 2020, 18:05
Reds cards on the money in Bledisloe IV but since when is poor tackle technique on par with three punches to the head?
How anyone could determine that three deliberate punches to the head were equal to one collision resulting from poor technique is …
Tom Vinicombe
12 Nov 2020, 20:32
Prop, rock and roll
Taniela Tupou showed in Bledisloe IV exactly what the All Blacks are missing from their propping stables.
Tom Vinicombe
09 Nov 2020, 17:39
The 30-second period that highlighted everything wrong with the All Blacks' 14-man mindset
When Ofa Tuungafasi was handed a red card in the 23rd minute of the Bledisloe Cup battle in Brisbane, the All Blacks should have a…
Tom Vinicombe
09 Nov 2020, 15:54
Tri Nations: New Zealand player ratings vs Australia
After a draw and two solid wins, everyone expected the All Blacks to record another crushing victory over the Wallabies in Brisban…
Tom Vinicombe
07 Nov 2020, 5:11
Perfect prototype
Caleb Clarke may be 110kg of destructive power, but he’s no one-trick pony.
Tom Vinicombe
04 Nov 2020, 16:40
