Opinion
The golden era for Ireland and France is now over
European rugby has been dealt a re-ordering with both Ireland and France declining from where they were a few years ago.
Ben Smith
23 Nov 2025, 18:17
68
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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.
Scott Barrett's reluctant response on improvements as All Blacks captain
Scott Barrett provided a coy response when asked what he "needed to improve on" going into next year as team captain following the…
Ben Smith
23 Nov 2025, 13:16
5
Opinion
Super Rugby Pacific squads: Team grades for very New Zealand club
The Super Rugby Pacific squads have been revealed, with all the teams releasing their lists for the 2026 season.
Ben Smith
06 Nov 2025, 13:18
6
Mix of new and returning players headline Hurricanes squad
The Hurricanes have announced their 33-man squad for the 2026 Super Rugby season which includes three new and three returning play…
Ben Smith
05 Nov 2025, 15:59
1
'It was a sucker punch': The blow that swung THAT Ireland-All Blacks clash
The 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final between New Zealand and Ireland will go down as one of the most heart-breaking, epic games …
Ben Smith
04 Nov 2025, 9:58
3
Opinion
High-value signing targets for Super Rugby Pacific squads
A number of highly touted young players have announced commitments with Super Rugby squads so far, with Waikato-product Oli Mathis…
Ben Smith
03 Nov 2025, 20:28
Young pair of locks step up as All Blacks sweat on captain Barrett
Returning All Black lock Josh Lord got more than he bargained for in Chicago on his international return, entering the game in jus…
Ben Smith
01 Nov 2025, 20:55
44
Scott Robertson reacts to All Blacks second half blitz to beat Ireland
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson was happy with the way his team fought through a scrappy first half to lift during the back …
Ben Smith
01 Nov 2025, 17:32
13
All Blacks power over Ireland as Beirne sees red early
Scott Robertson's side emphatically put their second half woes behind them, overcoming a half-time deficit to power over Ireland i…
Ben Smith
01 Nov 2025, 15:22
70
'99 times out of 100': The one minute of mishaps that cost Ireland the ultimate prize
Jordie Barrett's famous tackle on Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher essentially saved the game for New Zealand as a minute of errors c…
Ben Smith
29 Oct 2025, 10:47
8
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson weighs in on Ireland's post-Lions hangover
Head coach Scott Robertson is not expecting Ireland to have a post-Lions tour hangover when they play the All Blacks in Chicago.
Ben Smith
27 Oct 2025, 18:59
3
Opinion
Ireland's unspoken advantage over the All Blacks in Chicago
The All Blacks will return to the historic site of their first-ever loss to Ireland when they met again to play at Soldier Field i…
Ben Smith
27 Oct 2025, 17:29
14
Two players drafted into All Blacks XV squad
The All Blacks XV have called upon the services of two more players ahead of the team's end of year tour.
Ben Smith
26 Oct 2025, 17:37
6
Wallabies will call on second row reinforcements after losing two against Japan
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt concedes he will have to call up reinforcements after suffering a double blow in the second row a…
Ben Smith
25 Oct 2025, 19:51
1
'Iconic': Eddie Jones' South Africa jibe in wake of narrow loss to Australia
Japan's 19-15 close loss to Australia has proved to be a confidence booster for Eddie Jones ahead of the Brave Blossoms tour of Eu…
Ben Smith
25 Oct 2025, 16:38
6
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
25 Oct 2025, 15:40
52
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
22 Oct 2025, 17:41
1
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
21 Oct 2025, 16:18
7
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
19 Oct 2025, 17:56
12
'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
19 Oct 2025, 2:32
3
