OPINION
The All Blacks cannot lose this week
The addition of Joe Schmidt to the coaching group is an incredible stroke of luck. He’d have been a welcome addition to the staf…
Hamish Bidwell
27 Jun, 23:01
Hamish Bidwell
Articles
OPINION
The Crusaders' win a disaster for the prematurely picked All Blacks
And on the strength of Saturday’s decider at Eden Park, it’s a shame the All Blacks were picked so prematurely.
Hamish Bidwell
19 Jun, 23:09
OPINION
Sam Cane as captain limits the All Blacks' loose forward trio
Cane is captain and has to play somewhere, while Ioane’s probable inclusion in the first test team to play Ireland probably owes…
Hamish Bidwell
14 Jun, 0:54
OPINION
Why Jordie Barrett at second-five for the All Blacks makes sense
Barrett’s performances for the Hurricanes at 12 might not excite All Blacks coach Ian Foster, but they do enthuse me. And many o…
Hamish Bidwell
07 Jun, 21:39
OPINION
Foster's uncertainty and confusion an alarming aspect of NZR's political stunt
Steve Hansen remains a very hard act for Foster to follow. Hansen was a superb communicator. Considered, commanding, challenging: …
Hamish Bidwell
30 May, 19:18
OPINION
The Classic All Blacks could be a shining light for NZR
New Zealand’s not short of former All Blacks. Nor are we limited in our affection for them.
Hamish Bidwell
23 May, 23:00
OPINION
Taking Rugby World Cups to America at the expense of actual rugby nations is harmful
I can understand, even applaud, the idea of Australia being awarded the 2027 tournament by World Rugby, but I’m afraid I don’t…
Hamish Bidwell
16 May, 22:25
OPINION
The Nations Championship is a novel idea but won't fix the real problem
What happens when it becomes clear the competition’s a closed shop and our Pacific neighbours fall further and further behind an…
Hamish Bidwell
11 May, 0:57
OPINION
New Zealand's teams are getting worse and a good deal of that is down to coaching
And so we have Leon MacDonald of the Blues, mentioned in All Blacks dispatches. Should it all go wrong in 2023, would MacDonald he…
Hamish Bidwell
03 May, 22:45
OPINION
Rugby has to endure the cards if it wants to have a future
Not only will it cease to be a viable participation sport, lessening the volume of those who might progress to the professional ra…
Hamish Bidwell
26 Apr, 20:21
OPINION
Beauden Barrett is showing what he can do without the Horror-canes pack
There’s no Barrett v Richie Mo’unga debate. There’s Barrett as the undisputed starter at 10 and then those that back him up …
Hamish Bidwell
20 Apr, 19:00
OPINION
Rolling mauls should gladden the hearts of New Zealand rugby fans
Far from being a blight on the game, the sight of rolling mauls in Super Rugby Pacific should gladden the hearts of New Zealand ru…
Hamish Bidwell
11 Apr, 22:54
