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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.

Ex-All Black fuels speculation of rift between Robertson's coaching staff

Ex-All Black Israel Dagg has added fuel to speculation that a fall out with assistant coach Scott Hansen is the reason that Jason …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Oct 2025, 15:40

Quinn Tupaea welcomes more starts at 13 for All Blacks ahead of tour

All Blacks midfielder Quinn Tupaea welcomes more action at centre for the All Blacks after his breakthrough showing in Perth again…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
22 Oct 2025, 17:41

NZR confirm shake-up to Super Rugby system with new contracting model

Super Rugby teams in New Zealand will be able to sign up to 12 players to an expanded training squad as part of a revamp to the cu…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
21 Oct 2025, 16:18

Sir Wayne Smith's advice to Razor as All Blacks chase fifth Grand Slam

Sir Wayne Smith has urged Scott Robertson and the All Blacks to be brave in their quest to win a fifth 'Grand Slam' on their end o…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 Oct 2025, 17:56

'Glides like Guscott': Social can't get over teen sensation Noah Caluori

Saracens breakout young gun Noah Caluori has shocked the rugby world after a five-try performance against Sale Sharks in his first…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 Oct 2025, 2:32

Erasmus prefers February start for Rugby Championship, 'no reason' others can't move

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has shared his preference to move the Rugby Championship window to February, at the same time…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
18 Oct 2025, 20:24

'Booze, win or lose': Eben Etzebeth details the weak culture within the Boks of old

Springboks centurion Eben Etzebeth has opened up on the early years of his international career and the weak culture within the Bo…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
18 Oct 2025, 19:39
Opinion

The four areas the All Blacks need to find answers on the 'Grand Slam' tour

There are genuine tight five concerns with a number of key players out, particularly now that lock Patrick Tuipulotu joins Tupou V…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
15 Oct 2025, 15:32

Eight capped players named in All Blacks XV squad

Jamie Joseph and his coaching team have announced the 30-man All Blacks XV squad for 2025 tour which includes eight capped Test pl…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
13 Oct 2025, 15:29

No surprises from Razor as All Black selections remain on course

The 36-man All Blacks squad for the end of year tour contained no real surprises with just one potential debutant named.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
12 Oct 2025, 22:34

Double blow for Crusaders system with two shock defects to league

The Crusaders have been dealt a double blow as two highly touted prospects have defected to rugby league, according to a report. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
11 Oct 2025, 15:20

'Would've let teams back in': Robertson pleased with All Blacks' second half progress

The All Blacks completed their 11th straight win over the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth with a 28-14 victory, beating the pr…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
04 Oct 2025, 20:14
Opinion

All Blacks player ratings vs Australia | The Rugby Championship

The All Blacks overcame a slow start that run out 28-14 winners in Perth to sweep the Bledisloe series 2-0 and give themselves a c…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
04 Oct 2025, 5:09

'He's ready': Peter Lakai set for first All Blacks start of career amid forward injuries

Hurricanes loose forward Peter Lakai has been named for his first Test start, and as a No.8 for the All Blacks for the second Bled…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 Oct 2025, 23:18

Scott Robertson confident in Quinn Tupaea's midfield shift to cover Suaalii

Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupaea will run out in the No.13 jersey for the first time for the All Blacks this weekend in Perth at Opt…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
01 Oct 2025, 22:51

Wallabies will open 'unique' 2027 Rugby World Cup in front of 60,000

The halfway point to the start of the men's 2027 Rugby World Cup has been reached with just two years remaining until the Wallabie…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
30 Sep 2025, 22:58

Two All Blacks ruled out of second Bledisloe in Perth

The All Blacks have recieved a double blow in the wake of their 33-24 victory in the first of two Bledisloe Cup clashes to finish …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 Sep 2025, 20:59

John Mitchell scoops Coach of the Year award after World Cup victory

Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has scooped World Rugby's Coach of the Year award for 2025 after leading England to victory.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 Sep 2025, 18:14

Joe Schmidt mulling another SOS call as McDermott goes down

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt playfully mulled the idea of sending another SOS to halfback Nic White after another No.9 succumb…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 Sep 2025, 17:56

Scott Robertson's revelation on the All Blacks' new Test rookie

The All Blacks had a number of backs star in the 33-24 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park, including returning halfback Cam Roiga…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 Sep 2025, 17:14