Contributors
Ben Smith
@bensmithrugby
A former financial analyst & auditor in retail banking, Ben is a columnist at RugbyPass specialising in opinion-based analysis, breaking down rugby as he sees it, to uncover what professional teams are trying to do around the world.
1052 Articles
Scott Robertson's verdict on the Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett combination
Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie has started all three Tests as the All Blacks first five under new head coach Scott Robertson.
Ben Smith
22 Jul 2024, 17:22
Scott Robertson hints at Will Jordan return for the All Blacks for Rugby Championship
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has hinted that Will Jordan could make his All Blacks return soon as they prepare for the Ru…
Ben Smith
21 Jul 2024, 19:14
Ardie Savea signs with Moana Pasifika
Reigning World Player of the Year Ardie Savea has signed with Moana Pasifika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Ben Smith
21 Jul 2024, 0:44
Mick Byrne on what went wrong for Fiji in heavy loss to All Blacks
Fiji's head coach Mick Byrne was always expecting a "tough night" against the All Blacks as they succumbed to a 47-5 loss in San D…
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2024, 23:32
'Won't win World Cups like that': Rassie Erasmus on the Andre Esterhuizen red card
Returning midfielder Andre Esterhuizen was sin binned after just two minutes for a pressure tackle on Portugese centre Jose Lima.
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2024, 21:56
Joe Schmidt on Wallabies' flyer Filipo Daugunu's 'unlucky' red card
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt believes that winger Filipo Daugunu was "unlucky" with his red card against Georgia.
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2024, 20:13
'It’s a mental thing': Joe Schmidt on the Wallabies' flyhalf issues
The Wallabies are no closer to finding their long-term No 10 after the July series with head coach Joe Schmidt admitting they will…
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2024, 19:50
'Might be a better 13': All Blacks' new centre gem uncovered against Fiji
The All Blacks had six new debutants against Fiji but just one new starter in centre Billy Proctor, who wore the No 13 jersey for …
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2024, 18:51
Six starters from the Drua named in Fiji team to take on the All Blacks
After making the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs for the first time in their history, the Fijian Drua have been rewarded with 12 nati…
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2024, 23:23
Why Scott Robertson isn't worried about fielding six rookies against Fiji
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson isn't worried about the lack of Test experience in his bench for Fiji after naming six total…
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2024, 20:44
All Black Richie Mo'unga's verdict on Wallabies star recruit Joseph Sua'ali'i
All Black first five Richie Mo'unga was able to get up close with the Wallabies latest recruit Joseph Sua'ali'i at NSW Blues' Orig…
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2024, 18:39
All Blacks name six debutants in team to play Fiji in San Diego
The All Blacks have named a swathe of debutants for their one-off Test at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego against Fiji.
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2024, 18:12
Ex-All Blacks on whether Beauden Barrett should be the starting first five
Beauden Barrett took to Eden Park with a vintage performance reminiscent of his days as back-to-back World Player of the Year in t…
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2024, 17:21
Opinion
The bite don't match the bark
It's a passionate nation that loves rugby. We love that. But what becomes increasingly apparent with South African rugby, at all l…
Ben Smith
14 Jul 2024, 22:29
'Champions get up when they can't': Matt Williams weighs in on Ireland's win over Boks
Matt Williams revealed he doubted Ireland's ability to bounce back from the first Test loss and picked South Africa to win.
Ben Smith
15 Jul 2024, 19:34
All Blacks vs England takeaways: Richie Who? Time for Cortez
The All Blacks were made to work hard for a 24-17 win in the second Test against England to close out the series 2-0. First five …
Ben Smith
14 Jul 2024, 21:08
'I was stopped in the street': Steve Borthwick claps back at boastful New Zealand public
England head coach has clapped back at the boastful New Zealand public who stopped him "at least 10 times a day" to tell him how m…
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2024, 20:37
'Everybody could see that': Beauden Barrett's game changing performance the difference
Both head coaches Steve Borthwick and Scott Robertson have heaped praise on All Blacks utility Beauden Barrett after his 29 minute…
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2024, 20:13
All Blacks player ratings vs England | Steinlager Ultra Low Carb second Test
Beauden Barrett's electric showing from the back changed the game and powered the All Blacks to 10 points in the final quarter to …
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2024, 4:08
Luke Jacobson on how the All Blacks will combat England's 'heat'
All Blacks loose forward Luke Jacobson is looking to eliminate England's breakdown threats as they build on the performance from t…
Ben Smith
09 Jul 2024, 1:09
