Opinion
Autumn Nations Series
'Angst grips New Zealand as huge decisions loom for the All Blacks'
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Contributors
Gregor Paul
Gregor is New Zealand's best-read rugby commentator and analyst having been the voice of the Herald's rugby coverage since 2004. He's also written seven books about rugby and edited NZ Rugby World since 2007.
239 Articles
Latest
International Rugby
England loss latest example of All Blacks hitting 'mental black spot'
31
15 days ago
International Rugby
McKenzie impact part of renewed All Blacks emphasis on bench
90
22 days ago
International Rugby
Impact of youthful replacements should inform Robertson strategy
9
28 days ago
Autumn Nations Series
The All Blacks are set to travel around the world to grow the brand
19
44 days ago
Opinion
Have the All Blacks stumbled across the perfect midfield partnership?
The All Blacks may have inadvertently happened across the midfield partnership to take them to the 2027 World Cup
Gregor Paul
08 Oct 2025, 9:19
22
Opinion
Are the All Blacks still struggling to replace the legendary wings of yesteryear?
The All Blacks are revered for producing some of the greatest wide players to grace the game but are they now lagging behind?
Gregor Paul
01 Oct 2025, 12:45
13
Opinion
The risk the All Blacks have taken by too much overexposure to the Springboks
The All Blacks are locked in to play the Springboks on ten occasions between World Cup cycles and the latter's dominance is a conc…
Gregor Paul
22 Sep 2025, 9:42
33
Opinion
Will the real All Blacks please stand up?
One week the All Blacks can be peerless but the next they are floundering and it is becoming a real problem to predict their path
Gregor Paul
15 Sep 2025, 3:52
157
Opinion
Are the All Blacks refinding their groove as the world's No 1 team?
New Zealand are slowly rebuilding the sky high standards they were renowned for in their pomp under Steve Hansen
Gregor Paul
09 Sep 2025, 12:20
106
Opinion
50 Tests unbeaten in 31 years...so why don't NZR want more at their 'spiritual home'?
Eden Park may be where the All Blacks are most successful, but it is not a venue loved by New Zealand Rugby.
Gregor Paul
02 Sep 2025, 12:05
15
Opinion
‘The danger now for the All Blacks is that ill-discipline is endemic and there is no easy fix’
New Zealand's indiscipline appeared to be improving, but the problem has only got worse under Scott Robertson.
Gregor Paul
27 Aug 2025, 11:15
104
Opinion
How the All Blacks can reintegrate Richie Mo'unga for World Cup quest
The All Blacks are congratulating themselves after getting Richie Mo'unga to commit until the World Cup in 2027, but will he get i…
Gregor Paul
19 Aug 2025, 5:57
46
Opinion
Can the All Blacks convert Tupou Vaa'i into a destructive back row enforcer?
The missing link in the All Blacks' armoury is an athletic, big-boned No 6 and Scott Robertson thinks he's found the answer
Gregor Paul
12 Aug 2025, 13:09
26
Opinion
Why the All Blacks' fortunes are inexorably linked to the fate of their age-grade sides
New Zealand rugby was buoyed by the return to the final for their Baby Blacks and hope the talent production line is whirring back…
Gregor Paul
03 Aug 2025, 10:33
15
Opinion
Half-back depth is the flaw in 'Razor's' 4-4-4 Rugby World Cup plan
The All Blacks are stacked at least four deep in most positions, but Scott Robertson will be concerned by his options in the playm…
Gregor Paul
25 Jul 2025, 0:47
309
Opinion
Nobody runs the show like Beauden - Why the All Blacks need Barrett now, and at Rugby World Cup 2027
New Zealand are a better team, and better placed to triumph in 2027, with 34-year-old Barrett wearing the number 10 jersey.
Gregor Paul
22 Jul 2025, 12:36
87
Opinion
All Blacks front five power points to brighter times ahead
It was a laboured, nervy win over France by the All Blacks but the set-piece stood up well and that should give them confidence go…
Gregor Paul
07 Jul 2025, 23:26
14
Opinion
Can the All Blacks regain their aura and maintain their winning legacy?
For a small nation, New Zealand have punched well above their weight for over 100 years but can they retain their dominance for mu…
Gregor Paul
26 Jun 2025, 13:16
190
Opinion
Super Rugby is booming, but is it actually helping the All Blacks?
New law variations have brought a welcome shift towards high-tempo play, but this year's stand-out performers may not be suited to…
Gregor Paul
19 Jun 2025, 12:49
113
Opinion
Ian Foster left to ponder what might have been after Tony Brown and Jamie Joseph recruitment misstep
The former All Blacks head coach has written with searing honesty on the ups and down of the most high-profile job in New Zealand
Gregor Paul
17 Jun 2025, 13:38
39
Opinion
‘Title win could set Chiefs up to build a Super Rugby dynasty’
With a sweeping style, strong culture and host of top players locked in, everything is in place for the Chiefs to dominate Super R…
Gregor Paul
04 Jun 2025, 12:54
17
Opinion
New Zealand hails the 'Ardie effect'
The superstar All Black has injected some quality and belief into a fledgling side and the hope is they can cope when he's gone
Gregor Paul
22 May 2025, 2:42
4
Opinion
‘Money is pouring into the All Blacks, yet the more they spend, the less return they get’
With NZ Rugby losing money off the field, is extra investment in the All Blacks bringing dividends on it?
Gregor Paul
19 May 2025, 14:11
14
Opinion
‘Rising force’ Proctor gives All Blacks Ioane dilemma
The form of Hurricanes 'facilitator' Billy Proctor could see Scott Robertson break up his established centre pairing.
Gregor Paul
07 May 2025, 10:59
15