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Ben Smith

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.

1437 Articles

Highlanders confirm the worst case for Caleb Tangitau's injury

The Highlanders have confirmed the extent of All Black hopeful Caleb Tangitau's leg injury suffered on the final play against the …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 20:20

Ex-All Black captain Read takes aim at NZR over Mo'unga situation

Former All Black captain Kieran Read has sounded off at New Zealand Rugby over the handling of Richie Mo'unga's eligibility. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 16:52

'We don't do that': NZR rule out buying out Fehi Fineanganofo's contract

Hurricanes flyer and form wing Fehi Fineanganofo equalled the all-time season try scoring record in Super Rugby with his 16th agai…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 16:28

Josh Jacomb: 'Important to address the elephant in the room'

The Chiefs and Hurricanes have emerged as the two favourites to take the title in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific race, with both spo…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 16:07
Opinion

The four All Blacks at risk of not making the cut in 2026

With a whole new regime coming in with a new selection staff, including former coach Graham Henry, there is probably more pressure…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
14 May 2026, 0:11

'The guy is not a fly-by-nighter': Plea made for Richie Mo'unga's All Black eligibility

New Zealand commentator and rugby pundit Scotty Stevenson has made a passionate case for the involvement of Richie Mo'unga with th…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
13 May 2026, 17:46

'Let’s be very, very careful': Doubts persist over Leicester Fainga'anuku's long-term future at No.7

Fainga'anuku showed his full range of skills in the victory over the Blues, using his kicking game for not one but two try assists…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
11 May 2026, 14:45
Opinion

Not caving to Richie Mo'unga is a good thing for the All Blacks

One of the mistakes with the handling of Mo'unga's early international career was the lack of exposure before the 2019 Rugby World…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
09 May 2026, 19:47

Crusaders would be 'stupid' to not try sign Ardie Savea says former club veteran

With Moana Pasifika set to disband after the 2026 season, the next playing destination in New Zealand for Ardie Savea has been a h…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
06 May 2026, 14:47
Opinion

Why the Springboks home Test series suits the All Blacks and Dave Rennie

The introduction of Dave Rennie is key to the All Blacks making the most of this scheduling faux pas by the South Africans.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
05 May 2026, 17:02

All Black bolter candidate announces Japan move

The Hurricanes have announced that blindside flanker Devan Flanders will leave the club at season's end to move to Japan. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
03 May 2026, 21:11

Junior Boks win U20 Rugby Championship title with a game to spare

South Africa U20 have won the U20 Rugby Championship title with a game to spare after thrashing Australia by 56-17 at Nelson Mande…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
03 May 2026, 14:19

'You'll get beat': Sir Steve Hansen on Springboks series against All Blacks

Sir Steve Hansen has no doubt that the Springboks can be beaten in South Africa by the All Blacks on the upcoming Greatest Rivalry…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 May 2026, 16:47

'He's no dummy': Sir Steve Hansen on new All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie

Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen believes incoming head coach Dave Rennie's time at the Wallabies will prove invaluable i…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
02 May 2026, 16:16
Opinion

There are genuine concerns over Beauden Barrett's All Black days

The Beauden Barrett from Eden Park is the one the All Blacks can use. The one from Wellington, that resurfaced again at Super Roun…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 Apr 2026, 15:17
Opinion

Chiefs v Drua takes: Fake competition leaders, D-Mac best 10 of the week

The Chiefs finished the Super Round fixtures with a 42-22 win over the Fijian Drua to cap off a great weekend of Super Rugby Pacif…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Apr 2026, 23:39
Opinion

Hurricanes vs Brumbies takes: Wild Love concerning, Dearns signing of the year

The attacking juggernaut that is the Hurricanes got back on track in Super Round with a 45-12 win over the Brumbies. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Apr 2026, 0:14
Opinion

Crusaders v Waratahs takes: Fainga'anuku at 7 verdict, Wallabies new ace up the sleeve

The Crusaders opened One New Zealand Stadium and the 2026 Super Round with a resounding 35-20 win over the Waratahs to keep their …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
24 Apr 2026, 2:42

'How are we going to fund it?': Ex-All Black weighs in on Super Rugby after Moana collapse

Following the news that Moana Pasifika will no longer continue due to financial worries, debate has swirled around New Zealand as …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
20 Apr 2026, 15:28

The All Blacks strongest midfield partnership for the next World Cup is already clear

The three-year partnership between Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane came to an end with Ioane's transition to wing and eventual "pha…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
07 Apr 2026, 19:59
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