Contributors
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.
Latest
Scotland to return to New Zealand to face All Blacks
Rennie doubles down on All Blacks' World Cup plan
Barrett on Bledisloe double as 150th cap looms
All Blacks player ratings vs Australia
Why Josh Jacomb hasn't got a chance at No.10 yet for the All Blacks
The All Blacks have resisted giving Josh Jacomb a chance to start against the Wallabies in Sydney in the final Bledisloe Test, opt…
'There's no side in the world dominating': Dave Rennie on the All Blacks' high ball strategy
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has claimed that "no team in the world" is dominating the aerial battle ahead of the Wallabies r…
'Nil all at full-time': Dave Rennie weighs in on All Blacks-Wallabies 2027 pool clash
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has offered his thoughts on the "crazy draw" for Rugby World Cup 2027 which will see either New …
Maddison Levi headlines Australia Sevens squad to face Black Ferns
Australia women take on the Black Ferns while the Australia men take on Fiji across three matches over two days in Sydney.
'Have to deal with physically': Wallabies on All Black midfield pair Barrett and Tupaea
The Wallabies are well aware of the threat posed by starting All Black midfielders Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea heading into Sy…
All Blacks' verdict on returning lock Scott Barrett in Bledisloe win
Returning All Black lock Scott Barrett produced a faultless display at Eden Park on his return, giving the All Blacks engine room …
'He could probably have a 6, 7, 8 on his back': Jordie Barrett hailed after another world class showing
Head coach Dave Rennie and captain Dave Rennie has hailed the performance of Jordie Barrett in the 50-19 win over the Wallabies at…
All Blacks vs Wallabies takes: Roigard fuels 2nd half smashing, McReight erased
The All Blacks have secured the Bledisloe Cup for another year with a 50-19 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park. Here are quick ta…
Wallabies resist moving Suaalii in team to play the All Blacks
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has named a strong side to challenge the All Blacks in the first Bledisloe Test at Eden Park.
Now is the time for Wallabies to end Bledisloe drought
The Wallabies have not had a better chance to end the Bledisloe Cup drought than here and now in 2026.
Beauden Barrett back in starting All Blacks team to play the Wallabies at Eden Park
The All Blacks have named their team to play the Wallabies at Eden Park with all three Barrett brothers named to play in the start…
Rugby World Cup final loss still motivates Shannon Frizell ahead of All Blacks return
Shannon Frizell's last game for the All Blacks was the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, a game which ended in heartbreak as the All Bla…
Scott Barrett on what he saw at set piece time against the Springboks
Scott Barrett is set for his All Blacks return against the Wallabies and is excited to get back into Test rugby after watching the…
Fehi Fineanganofo's future decided after agreement with Red Bulls on new NZR deal
Hurricanes breakout star and All Black debutant Fehi Fineanganofo's future has been decided after coming to terms with a new deal …
Wallabies vs Springboks takes: Lonergan's masterclass, Suaalii is a midfielder
It was a wild finish in Perth as the Wallabies held on with 11 men for a 42-38 win over the Springboks to reclaim the Nelson Mande…
All Blacks dependency on Cam Roigard means he should sit out Super Rugby
Has one player ever been so important to the All Blacks than Cam Roigard is right now? Even the legendary Dan Carter might not be …
Steve Hansen: Veteran Boks might call it quits on Erasmus ahead of 2027
Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has warned Rassie Erasmus that some veteran players may call it quits ahead of the 2027 …
Ex-All Black captain Barrett named to play for first time in 10 months
Former All Black captain Scott Barrett will play for Taranaki this weekend marking his first game of professional rugby in 10 mont…
France enact special measures with 'protected player list' of 33 to target 2027 World Cup
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has reportedly enacted special measures with the Top 14 clubs for the first time to protect "33 …
Dual eligible France-NZ lock given '20 to 40 per cent chance' of playing again
Former France U20s and ex-Hawke's Bay lock Patrick Tuifua was given "20 to 40 per cent" chance of ever playing rugby again after a…