AAP Schmidt accepts Wallabies need more selection certainty in key position The Wallabies are adamant they have time to settle on a preferred No.10 as the countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia begins.
Daniel Gallan 'We are the fix' - How the Sharks can regain their bite to build a dynasty John Plumtree's men face a genuine dynasty in Toulouse pondering how they can build their own and deliver on the talent within
Sam Cane was unfairly cast in Richie McCaw's shadow for too long Sam Cane is someone with a lot to offer New Zealand, well beyond the realm of rugby. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 20 May 2024, 21:05
Rest and rotations for All Blacks isn't staving off injuries The onus is on NZR to ensure Super Rugby Pacific is a competition in which All Blacks are ever-present and the ball is in play for… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 07 May 2024, 16:13
Australians are quite right to be complaining about Samipeni Finau If Samipeni Finau is to be a legitimate weapon in the Chiefs’ and All Blacks’ arsenal, then the timing is critical. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 29 Apr 2024, 19:00
The World Club Cup can't come soon enough My only slight dismay at news that a World Club Cup might happen, is having to wait until 2028 to see it. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 09 Apr 2024, 14:43
The Wallabies are now immeasurably better Mike Cron will be more than just an assistant to Joe Schmidt and a technical resource for the Wallabies' players. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 03 Apr 2024, 16:34
Rob Penney wasn't given much without Whitelock and Mo'unga I won’t go as far as saying the Crusaders set Penney up to fail in the short term, but I’m not sure he inherited the calibre o… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 27 Mar 2024, 21:14
The Crusaders start to the season shows their loss is the All Blacks gain So, as I watched the Crusaders slump to a third-straight defeat, to start the Super Rugby Pacific season, I couldn’t help but th… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 13 Mar 2024, 14:29
Do the Hurricanes Poua want our support or not The Hurricanes Poua haka, which Lee says will not be performed again, is divisive and insulting. It speaks of a level of privilege… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 05 Mar 2024, 17:26
The predictability problem with Super Rugby Pacific I don’t want to see the Chiefs or Crusaders weakened but, for Super Rugby Pacific to endure, things have to be done to strengthe… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 28 Feb 2024, 11:44
Don't be fearful of life without Whitelock, Retallick or Smith I do have reservations about the depth of some of our Super Rugby Pacific squads, but not in our ability to still find enough capa… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 20 Feb 2024, 18:54
Bledisloe Cup rugby is just better during the day time Australia has hosted three day time Bledisloe Cup clashes in the professional era: in 1995, 1996 and 2021. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 14 Feb 2024, 11:32
Please stop throwing good money at the Rebels Australia has too many Super Rugby franchises, from a high-performance perspective. I doubt many people would lament the passing o… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 30 Jan 2024, 14:34
Surely a man of Joe Schmidt’s track record could find something better Surely a man of Joe Schmidt’s track record, contacts and acumen could find a cushier role than Wallabies coach. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 23 Jan 2024, 17:11
Recipe for Champions Cup tastes better than Super Rugby right now Featuring the best of French, South African and British rugby, the Champions Cup is of a high standard, played in front sizable cr… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 16 Jan 2024, 18:52
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson will have frightened his employers already It’s interesting, on a couple of fronts, to see new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson hold the door ajar to picking players from … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 09 Jan 2024, 20:08
Let’s not pretend you have to play in New Zealand to be an All Black Cane cited South Africa, who successfully cobbles players together from Europe and Japan and churns out Rugby World Cup-winning te… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 03 Dec 2023, 17:34
Let's hope that Richie Mo’unga wasn't serious about the All Blacks Without Richie Mo’unga, the cupboard of competent first five-eighths' back here in New Zealand is pretty bare. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 28 Nov 2023, 12:33
Why new Rugby Australia chair Daniel Herbert needs to be quiet Don’t air the organisation’s business in public. Don’t hire a national coach capable of going rogue. Don’t go seeking publ… Hamish Bidwell 21 Nov 2023, 16:45
The lessons the All Blacks could learn from the Black Caps There are two reasons - which the All Blacks could learn from - which mean the New Zealand men’s cricket team invariably get a p… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 15 Nov 2023, 14:44
The All Blacks need to rekindle their emotional connection with fans If there was a journey that Ian Foster was taking the team on during his tenure, it didn’t feel as if he took that many of us wi… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 06 Nov 2023, 18:03
Let’s not pretend this is a great All Blacks side who were robbed Let’s not rewrite history here. Let’s not pretend this is a great side who were robbed of victory, having been expertly prepar… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 30 Oct 2023, 18:08
The All Blacks have been pretty ordinary but now will win the World Cup And yet, in a few days’ time, the All Blacks are likely to be crowned Rugby World Cup champions. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 24 Oct 2023, 19:40
The All Blacks did their job as Ireland suffered from their own ineptitude They had ample opportunities to beat the All Blacks on Sunday and weren’t good enough to take them. At times, that was due to th… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 16 Oct 2023, 20:51
Ethan de Groot destroyed France’s tighthead prop Uini Atonio I thought there were times in that France game when the pressure exerted by de Groot was intolerable for Antonio. At those moments… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 22 Sep 2023, 4:15
New Zealand is accepting of the defeat from schoolboy-like All Blacks I think under coach Ian Foster’s tenure we’ve become accustomed to defeat. We don’t necessarily accept it, but we expect it. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 13 Sep 2023, 8:37
If the All Blacks can’t scrummage, they can’t win The tight five hasn’t been pushed around too often. Teams haven’t had their way with New Zealand at ruck and maul time. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 29 Aug 2023, 16:29
Hansen owes no debt to New Zealand rugby and as such should coach elsewhere Reports are that Hansen informed All Blacks coach Ian Foster before accepting the role, that he isn’t being paid and nor is he g… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 21 Aug 2023, 21:07
Sure, Sam Cane’s no Richie McCaw, but who is? McCaw sits among the all-time greats, while Cane will be remembered as a fine man who did his best. It’s chalk and cheese. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 13 Aug 2023, 19:51
Brad Weber would’ve been the next-best option for the World Cup But if we’re looking for a bloke to bark at forwards in the way Smith so effectively does, then Weber would’ve been the next-b… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 09 Aug 2023, 19:23
Damian McKenzie's freewheeling style is better suited for Super Rugby I heard a bit of talk afterwards from the team about the defence getting them back into the game. Maybe. But that ignores the fact… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 06 Aug 2023, 19:05
It seems the All Blacks have reclaimed their ruthless edge It’s upsetting to see Australian rugby where it is. For much of my life, the Wallabies were almost as good - and occasionally be… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 31 Jul 2023, 14:47
Slaughtering the Wallabies will make the All Blacks real contenders So I want to see them be ruthless on Saturday. To treat Australia as a team of consequence, rather than one in the midst of a mass… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 24 Jul 2023, 18:14
Spanking an old Springboks side not the best yardstick Starting Malcom Marx would be a help to South Africa. As would picking some of the more youthful personnel, who beat Australia in … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 16 Jul 2023, 19:37
The All Blacks looked like Ireland against Argentina What a joy to see the All Blacks using the ball to beat the man and to have attackers committing defenders before offloading. It f… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 11 Jul 2023, 15:42
Why the All Blacks don't play anything like the Crusaders is beyond comprehension The enterprising Chiefs didn’t look dissimilar to All Blacks sides of recent vintage, with the Crusaders resembling Ireland or F… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 27 Jun 2023, 17:00
The Blues proved once again they cannot make athletes better rugby players As the Crusaders were methodically dismantling the Blues in Christchurch last Friday night, it wasn’t the quality of rugby that … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 19 Jun 2023, 20:59
I can’t let the comments of Ardie Savea and Jason Holland go unchallenged Maybe a win over the Brumbies would have flattered them, but they still could have achieved it if Jordie Barrett had opted to pas… Hamish Bidwell 15 Jun 2023, 15:38
Dane Coles upholds the expectations and obligations of being an All Black Coles makes the game personal and refuses to yield to anyone. That’s a trait more athletes should have and why he can make an en… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 08 Jun 2023, 18:26
Crusaders' coaching job well overdue for red-and-black man Penney If you coached the Crusaders in those days, then you tended to look a little suspiciously at your Canterbury counterparts. And, if… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 07 Jun 2023, 15:32
The silver lining of a move to the Crusaders for Levi Aumua If a player, such as Aumua, uses that opportunity to make the All Blacks XV, as he did last year, and progress to the Crusaders an… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 23 May 2023, 16:28
Tuivasa-Sheck's code swap a cautionary tale for Suaalii and Rugby Australia Like Laumape was, Suaalii isn’t too far removed from his 1st XV days. In Tuivasa-Sheck’s case, it was 10 years since he’d pl… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 15 May 2023, 18:49
Competitive Super Rugby franchises are in Suva, Apia and Nuku’alofa The argument against allowing the Drua to play in Fiji full-time or to base Moana Pasifika in Samoa or Tonga - instead of Auckland… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 10 May 2023, 16:22
Crusaders' empire hasn't fallen and isn't even beginning to crumble In that time, the Crusaders have won 10 titles, been beaten finalists three times and lost at the semi-final stage on five occasio… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 02 May 2023, 16:19
It's easy to be seduced by McKenzie's Super Rugby form That’s no knock on McKenzie or Spencer. They’ve had brilliant careers, with highlight reels to be proud of. But every player h… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 24 Apr 2023, 22:48
Appointing Scott Robertson early could be convincing All Blacks to stay Just as Robertson appeared poised to inherit the coaching job last year, so was Ioane linked with a permanent move to Japan after … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 18 Apr 2023, 21:11
Don't expect Beauden Barrett to do it all himself Players can’t be exceptional forever. Particularly the runners, as Blues first five-eighth Beauden Barrett predominantly was for… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 05 Apr 2023, 20:49
Robertson's anti-climatic appointment ends sorry coaching saga When everyone knows you should be coach - and that you’ll eventually get the job one day - a lot of the suspense and excitement … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 21 Mar 2023, 13:58
Gone are the days when Super Rugby captured interest for its own sake The Super Rugby Pacific season has well-and-truly started, after all, not that you’d really know from what’s getting written. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 14 Mar 2023, 15:28
What if Darcy Swain made a throat-slash gesture to a New Zealand player? If Wallabies lock Darcy Swain made a throat-slitting gesture at a New Zealand player, how would we like that? And, if not Swain, t… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 06 Mar 2023, 18:17
The less said by Scott Robertson the better Foster is neither a public relations asset, nor the owner of an accomplished coaching record, but he looks better than NZR right n… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 27 Feb 2023, 20:45
The All Blacks don't deserve to be let off the hook with 'underdog' status But don’t take my word for it. It’s All Blacks great Justin Marshall who’s saying New Zealand’s now a world cup smokey. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 18 Feb 2023, 16:16
NZR cannot afford to sit idle on appointing the next All Blacks coach Signposting that Ian Foster would ascend to Steve Hansen’s throne left the All Blacks without options back in 2019. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 06 Feb 2023, 18:06
The All Blacks resting policy may actually work But look at the alternatives. It’s so long since anyone other than New Zealand and South Africa has won a Rugby World Cup it’s… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 31 Jan 2023, 19:51
The recruitment of Burns is an admission of defeat for the nanny state model If nothing else, the recruitment of Burns is an admission of defeat. It says our pathways are broken and we need other people’s … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 23 Jan 2023, 13:07
Once again Rugby Australia have run rings around New Zealand Rugby Rugby Australia possesses the stomach for hard decisions that New Zealand Rugby do not after sacking Dave Rennie. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 16 Jan 2023, 11:17
All that matters for NZR this year is the All Blacks This year is solely about the men’s Rugby World Cup. Super Rugby will be sacrificed in the name of the greater good, the NPC stu… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 09 Jan 2023, 16:38
New Zealand Rugby should treat Beauden Barrett like a French footballer I read and hear that the floodgates would open if Barrett left. That fellow All Blacks would follow suit and Super Rugby would be … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 14 Dec 2022, 21:50
Scott Robertson clearly has enemies in high places Some people’s faces simply don’t fit, so we have to assume that this iteration of the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) d… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 05 Dec 2022, 15:03
The All Blacks best XV is still up in the air as World Cup year looms It would be a stretch to confidently say we have an outstanding or clearly defined All Blacks first XV in our midst. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 29 Nov 2022, 11:05
All Blacks' season defined long before their shambolic draw to England I read and heard for weeks that playing England at Twickenham would define the All Blacks’ season. Nonsense. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 22 Nov 2022, 12:06
The Black Ferns are the one thing that can save New Zealand Rugby The All Blacks and NZR would benefit greatly from taking a few pages from the Black Ferns’ playbook. Be open, be accessible, be … Hamish Bidwell 15 Nov 2022, 14:12
Women's rugby has come so far, but there's still so much further it can go A generation of future Black Ferns are being inspired as we speak, in numbers that would’ve been unimaginable only two or three … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 08 Nov 2022, 17:21
We expect so little from the All Blacks almost losing to Japan doesn't register But do you hear and hue and cry from our rugby public? No, you don’t because, as I suggested last week, we’ve become condition… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 31 Oct 2022, 18:29
I can't believe that this is what rugby in New Zealand has come to Mils Muliaina’s comment that it would be acceptable for the All Blacks to lose to Scotland, on their upcoming tour, is the sadly… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 25 Oct 2022, 13:28
Have the All Blacks XV if you like, but make it New Zealand's genuine second XV What’s the point of Tupou Vaa’i, Stephen Perofeta, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Folau Fakatava and others traipsing round with the All… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 17 Oct 2022, 19:53
Rugby needs to be the winner at this World Cup, not necessarily New Zealand Let’s let the tournament breathe first. Let’s get a few more games under our belts, let’s get to the knockout rounds and the… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 10 Oct 2022, 21:40
If the Wallabies don't want Dave Rennie, the All Blacks should take him The ills that plague Australia’s national team have little or nothing to do with Dave Rennie. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 27 Sep 2022, 3:03
We are going to ride the rollercoaster with this All Blacks team What do the All Blacks have, beyond talent? We simply pick our most-talented players and then try and find a spot for them. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 20 Sep 2022, 18:43
Will Mathieu Raynal be the star of the show in the first Bledisloe test? Who’ll be the star of the show at Marvel Stadium on Thursday? Will it be Rieko Ioane? Captain Fantastic Sam Cane? Marika Koroibe… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 11 Sep 2022, 21:53
The All Blacks can't have it both ways if tests aren't meaningful The team and NZR can’t have it both ways. Either every test result is important or none of them are. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 04 Sep 2022, 20:11
New Zealand Rugby can't afford for the All Blacks to fail Commercialising the All Blacks’ brand relies upon the team winning and they haven’t done a lot of that lately Opinion Hamish Bidwell 28 Aug 2022, 19:56
The All Blacks will go unbeaten now that everything is 'right' again The All Blacks are going to win and that no-one will be accountable in the unlikely event that they don’t. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 23 Aug 2022, 17:32
NZR will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid admitting wrong Whether the decision to retain Ian Foster as All Blacks head coach amounts to the blind leading the blind remains to be seen. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 17 Aug 2022, 17:13
It was put up or shut up for a few All Blacks at Ellis Park It’s my view that Foster came into the All Blacks’ head coaching role believing he was entitled to the same respect his predec… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 14 Aug 2022, 20:18
Producing proper test match forwards not high on New Zealand's priority list Nine scrums out of 10 against the All Blacks, you’ll win a penalty. Let’s say half of those are in kicking range, so that’s … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 08 Aug 2022, 0:55
When is it going to be the fault of the All Blacks' players for their results Robinson and company aren’t out there on the park. That’s still the players’ domain and just because things may be shambolic… Hamish Bidwell 01 Aug 2022, 20:52
The All Blacks coaching drama has breathed life into The Rugby Championship Well, they’ve made their bed now. They’ve staked everything on Foster and they’ve absolved him of any blame. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 25 Jul 2022, 18:34
With these All Blacks it's about coaching and leadership, plain and simple The losses being piled up by this coaching regime is doing more damage to the All Blacks’ brand than any admission of failure ev… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 18 Jul 2022, 21:20
No one fears the All Blacks anymore, the team's reputation is in tatters Ireland barely bothered to celebrate their 23-12 win. Victory over these All Blacks is so commonplace as to only merit a high-five… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 10 Jul 2022, 21:44
Ireland may have fired their best shot already in this series Their scrum was lamentable and I thought they played too laterally. The All Blacks can be beaten up the middle and Ireland didn’… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 03 Jul 2022, 23:24
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 27 Jun 2022, 20:01
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. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 19 Jun 2022, 20:09
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 13 Jun 2022, 21:54
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 07 Jun 2022, 18:39
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: … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 30 May 2022, 16:18
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. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 23 May 2022, 20:00
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 16 May 2022, 19:25
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 10 May 2022, 21:57
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 03 May 2022, 19:45
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 26 Apr 2022, 17:21
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 … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 20 Apr 2022, 16:00
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… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 11 Apr 2022, 19:54
Wayne Smith is a win for the Black Ferns but his service needed elsewhere by NZR The Black Ferns’ unexpected gain only underscores the significance of the All Blacks’ continued loss. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 05 Apr 2022, 13:20
Hurricanes spent years assembling a championship roster and about five minutes dismantling it But the Hurricanes, and frankly most New Zealand franchises for that matter, no longer have the depth to roll out a competitive te… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 29 Mar 2022, 13:22
Foster's All Blacks won't get let off the hook with patty-cake fixtures this year Could the All Blacks lose to Ireland? Could they lose one or both of their Rugby Championship clashes with South Africa? Could the… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 23 Mar 2022, 15:00
Unfortunately for Pita Gus Sowakula, the All Blacks No. 8 jersey is not up for grabs The man is very good on the carry and wouldn’t disgrace the national side. But if we look at said team and speculate about which… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 22 Mar 2022, 13:42
Clamour for new unproven players as All Blacks is misguided thinking One day it’s Bailyn Sullivan. Then it’s his brother Zarn. Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson and Stephen Perofeta are among the othe… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 15 Mar 2022, 20:43
The special All Blacks lock who could be New Zealand's answer at No 6 The decision to start Tupou Vaa'i at blindside flanker for the Chiefs has opened up an intriguing possibility for the All Blacks. Hamish Bidwell 07 Mar 2022, 17:55
Fixation of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck highlights Super Rugby Pacific's staleness ‘RTS Watch’ has basically become the sole early season narrative, as the mundanity of Super Rugby Pacific swiftly takes hold, … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 01 Mar 2022, 19:19
Cash-strapped NZR have entered into a Dragons Den or Shark Tank-type arrangement Well, guess what, thanks to the nifty new setup with Silver Lake, jumpers are going to be flying off the racks of Rio de Janeiro. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 21 Feb 2022, 16:40
The Richie Mo'unga situation shows what's so wrong with rugby in New Zealand This Richie Mo’unga situation sums up so much about what’s so wrong with rugby in New Zealand. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 14 Feb 2022, 8:53
You simply can't expose Australia's next tier of props to the might of the Crusaders Tighthead props don’t grow on trees, apparently, and if Covid-positive rates increase, then Australia’s teams might have to re… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 08 Feb 2022, 14:09
The All Blacks playing for their careers in this year's Super Rugby Pacific If I have a wish for Super Rugby Pacific, it’s that guys grind it out game after game. I don’t want to see a good 40 minutes h… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 31 Jan 2022, 16:46
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won't have space at 12 like he does in rugby league New Zealand Rugby (NZR) will want some bang for their buck, which means the man will need to quickly establish himself as an All B… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 26 Jan 2022, 14:03
Five big wishes for the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby in 2022 From promoting Joe Shcmidt to All Blacks coach to fixing Super Rugby Pacific - here are five All Blacks and NZR wishes for the sea… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 17 Jan 2022, 13:19
How much influence will Schmidt as an All Blacks selector actually have Ian Foster might have inherited Hansen’s role, but he hasn’t assumed his stature. The Schmidt appointment is a good thing, as … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 21 Dec 2021, 16:19
Jordie Barrett at 12 can provide what has been missing since Laumape left The All Blacks could do with Laumape right now. Instead, it appears Tonga will eventually benefit from his services in midfield. Hamish Bidwell 13 Dec 2021, 15:29
Please don't hand any awards out to Ian Foster And the nominees are… well, in the case of New Zealand coach of the year, there are none. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 06 Dec 2021, 18:27
Who knew that New Zealand's players were experts in hundred-million dollar deals The All Blacks themselves have been the envy of codes and teams across the globe for decades, many of whom have sought to emulate … Hamish Bidwell 28 Nov 2021, 17:50
It's hard to see the All Blacks getting better under Foster's watch For all the lessons and “learnings’’ Foster incessantly maintains the team are taking from games and for all the key areas h… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 21 Nov 2021, 19:04
Everyone in the rugby world knows who Foster's All Blacks are The All Blacks had absolutely no idea how to combat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and were flattered by the final scoreline of 29-2… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 15 Nov 2021, 18:04
Damian McKenzie is no better than when he started his All Blacks career It’s surely not an issue of talent, as evidenced by McKenzie. He’s as gifted as anyone but, 39 games into his All Blacks caree… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 09 Nov 2021, 13:06
The All Blacks' game needs to be built around the Retallick's and Savea's If you were to draw up the perfect locking partner for the relentless intensity of Sam Whitelock, it would be Retallick. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 01 Nov 2021, 15:13
The only test that has taught the All Blacks anything in 2021 Let’s hope Wales hand the All Blacks a lineout bath in Cardiff because, on the basis of this year's test schedule, New Zealand  Opinion Hamish Bidwell 28 Oct 2021, 15:15
What NZR should do with this Mickey Mouse version of the NPC Let’s do away with people scratching their heads about whether it’s the Meads Cup or the Lochore Cup that’s the big one. Let… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 18 Oct 2021, 19:34
It's time to congratulate New Zealand Rugby for once When you don’t schedule matches for people - who dedicate themselves to representing this country - or you don’t pay them the … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 11 Oct 2021, 20:01
All Blacks brains trust have a lot to do to go from good to great There is such a thing as an actual Grand Slam - last achieved by the All Blacks in 2010 - but it has nothing to do with the blesse… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 05 Oct 2021, 14:25
Play some rugby? You must be joking, the Springboks can't play any footy South Africa have no moral duty to the game or to sponsors and other stakeholders to produce a brand of football that’s easy on … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 27 Sep 2021, 20:25
If you're an All Black winger, early ball has been hard to come by If you’re Will Jordan or Sevu Reece or George Bridge it appears as if you’re not going to get any good, early ball. In fact, i… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 19 Sep 2021, 19:32
Springboks haven't delivered but hopefully will rise for the All Blacks The Springboks might be shamed into action by their 28-26 defeat to Australia. We might see them wipe the floor with the Wallabies… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 14 Sep 2021, 15:11
The All Blacks met that challenge, but it still wasn't a true Test It’s all very well to run rings around Australia, but you assume Argentina and South Africa will provide more difficult Rugby Ch… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 05 Sep 2021, 16:55
Ardie Savea was the right choice as All Blacks skipper To come to a new country, face various challenges many of us can’t imagine and then have a son become All Blacks captain is a tr… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 29 Aug 2021, 16:33
The Rugby Championship is the only thing keeping NZR's bills paid One thing stands between them and financial oblivion. It could have been two things, except NZR completely cocked up the first. Opinion Hamish Bidwell 22 Aug 2021, 16:32
Why the All Blacks need the support of the New Zealand public now Just a tick over 25,000 fans attended Saturday’s 57-22 win over Australia, in the second of two consecutive tests at Eden Park. … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 15 Aug 2021, 23:03
Do these All Blacks have the ruthless final quarter in them? I was underwhelmed by Saturday’s 33-25 win over Australia at Eden Park. I’m not sure the Wallabies are any good and, at 33-8, … Opinion Hamish Bidwell 09 Aug 2021, 14:38
Sarah Hirini has put her name up alongside the great New Zealand rugby captains The Black Ferns Sevens skipper is unlikely to ever enjoy the acclaim of elite All Blacks captains such as Wilson Whineray, Brian L… Opinion Hamish Bidwell 02 Aug 2021, 14:07
It's time to debate whether Gatland is New Zealand's best-ever coach With Wasps and Ireland, Wales, Waikato and the Lions, Gatland has been a winner. Maybe Warrenball didn’t win you over, but it su… Exclusive Hamish Bidwell 26 Jul 2021, 19:28
The Wallabies take early Bledisloe advantage over the All Blacks Compare these games against Tonga and now Fiji to what Australia and France have been up to. France still have better players up t… Hamish Bidwell 18 Jul 2021, 21:24
Robertson's shadow looms over Foster after getting bullied by Fiji It’s easy to underestimate Robertson or to be distracted by his eccentricities. But the bottom line is his teams win - and win w… Hamish Bidwell 11 Jul 2021, 21:04
NZR's approach to profiting from Tonga cheapened everything Well, guess what? NZR were wrong. They sought to profit off the Tongan community and merely cheapened their own All Blacks brand i… Hamish Bidwell 04 Jul 2021, 21:03
Beauden Barrett was stiffed by the All Blacks but we can't make the same mistake with Richie Mo'unga Coaching is about providing players with the best opportunity to be successful, but neither Barrett nor Mo’unga will ever truly … Hamish Bidwell 27 Jun 2021, 20:27
Lolly scramble of All Black selections begs the question, is there actually a plan in place? How many positions in the All Blacks starting XV would you say are sewn up? I’d say about five and a half. Hamish Bidwell 21 Jun 2021, 21:32
The bottom line is the All Blacks are not short of talent and an unbeaten season is on the table In all fairness, though, the coronavirus-dictated draw has been kind to New Zealand. All but one match is at home, creating an exp… Hamish Bidwell 13 Jun 2021, 23:17
'You suspect another white, male Cantabrian isn't quite what NZR needs right now': Talk of diversity no substitute for actual diversity At most other times in our game’s history, Stewart Mitchell would have been the ideal choice as NZR chairman - but this isn't mo… Hamish Bidwell 07 Jun 2021, 17:00
In New Zealand, we are very good at producing quality rugby players. What's missing is the right vehicle to promote them We had our chance to go insular. The coronavirus pandemic provided New Zealand with the opportunity to create a purely domestic co… Hamish Bidwell 31 May 2021, 14:24
Julian Savea won't be turning the clock back to 2010 but his signing by the Hurricanes has proven to have merit Savea is more than a rugby player and a teammate. He is an icon and an inspiration and you can see how valuable that is within a f… Hamish Bidwell 25 May 2021, 17:01
The game's caretakers in New Zealand need to grow up, get in a room and sort this out for rugby's sake I don’t know about you, but I’m bored of this debate about private equity funding. I don’t care if it’s Silver Lake or you… Hamish Bidwell 17 May 2021, 14:00
Instead of hating and criticising, you could actually just sit back and admire the greatness of the Crusaders They win, for starters, and what an unimaginable crime that is. They don’t boast, they don’t showboat, they don’t disrespect… Hamish Bidwell 10 May 2021, 15:53
New Zealand's elite players would be better served trying to win the odd test match rather than dictating terms of the Silver Lake deal Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is the narrative we’re being sold, right? That NZR and the provincial unions are dullards, w… Hamish Bidwell 02 May 2021, 19:49
It's hard to go past Akira Ioane when wondering where it all went wrong for the Blues in 2021 Ioane talked about learning a few lessons and rediscovering his love for the game and a lot of us went down the lazy route of decl… Hamish Bidwell 26 Apr 2021, 18:54
Why are the All Blacks going to pick Retallick, Barrett and possibly Perenara out of Japan and not guys everywhere else? If we are going to pick Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick (and maybe not TJ Perenara if John Kirwan’s telling the story) then… Hamish Bidwell 18 Apr 2021, 21:29
Perofeta's comments may hurt his team's chances but give some much-needed spice to Super Rugby Aotearoa It wasn’t that Perofeta’s comments were outrageous. More that they were a little naive and inclined to antagonise a Highlander… Hamish Bidwell 13 Apr 2021, 16:32
All Black captains don't lecture people on social media or journalists on what they should be reporting on You put Savea at 7, you make him captain and very quickly Cane’s absence ceases to be a major concern. Frankly, it’s the opens… Hamish Bidwell 05 Apr 2021, 14:06
Hard to fathom the protests of All Blacks who are happily bankrupting their governing body What’s not in dispute is that NZR cannot continue to pay its mammoth player wage bill and that alternative revenue streams are r… Hamish Bidwell 29 Mar 2021, 19:39
What Scott Robertson has done with Sam Whitelock that no other coach could It was a pleasure to watch the Crusaders beat the Blues 43-27 at Eden Park on Sunday. To see the methodical way the Crusaders dism… Hamish Bidwell 21 Mar 2021, 19:04
It won't be up front where the Blues need to prove their title credentials against the Crusaders The Blues weren’t just a Super Rugby also-ran for a decade or more, they weren’t even relevant. No, the Blues were an utter em… Hamish Bidwell 15 Mar 2021, 18:37
At some point the Chiefs' players have to put up or shut up with their third coach in three successive years The blame game’s become a staple of Chiefs rugby. Remember Colin Cooper? He couldn’t coach, apparently, with the players and s… Hamish Bidwell 09 Mar 2021, 11:32
It's simply not good enough that the Hurricanes don't have a formidable tight five after 25 years of trying At the Hurricanes, it’s always been about hoping the backs and loosies can work enough magic to cover for the deficiencies up fr… Hamish Bidwell 01 Mar 2021, 12:30
Haven't we already said goodbye to the great Dan Carter? His real retirement was years ago The man’s career was over by then and he did well to keep being paid a healthy wage and to maintain the strength of his personal… Hamish Bidwell 22 Feb 2021, 14:18
Savea is more than just a player now, he's in the shop window to be All Blacks' skipper too It’s not so much that the newly-named Hurricanes captain is versatile, more that he’s had to accommodate different All Blacksâ… Hamish Bidwell 15 Feb 2021, 13:33
Why Dane Coles is the kind of man that the All Blacks, and NZR, need to keep around As rugby becomes more professional and goes further down an NFL-type model, with more coaches and support staff and a greater comp… Hamish Bidwell 08 Feb 2021, 16:55
Super Rugby club aside, where exactly would the All Blacks play Roger Tuivasa-Sheck? As the All Black are currently constructed, Tuivasa-Sheck would probably be a wing and - frankly - New Zealand Rugby (NZR) needs a… Hamish Bidwell 31 Jan 2021, 18:47
Will history look back favourably on one of New Zealand Rugby's stalwarts? In a rugby sense, history may not judge outgoing NZR chairman Brent Impey that favourably; that a juggernaut ground to somewhat of… Hamish Bidwell 25 Jan 2021, 16:23
'How many All Blacks tests are too many?': Could outside investment lead to an extended All Blacks season? To get better bang for their buck, might outside investors insist that New Zealand Rugby negotiate a great number of tests every y… Hamish Bidwell 12 Jan 2021, 17:49
Why it's absolutely important that the Lions tour of South Africa goes ahead - even for New Zealand While the world got through 2020 reasonably unscathed, the game can’t absorb another year of that nature. We need meaningful com… Hamish Bidwell 06 Jan 2021, 16:20
This has been as bad an All Blacks season that we could have imagined All’s right in the rugby world. The All Blacks are home and out of quarantine, captain Sam Cane has been crowned player of the y… Hamish Bidwell 20 Dec 2020, 19:00
If Rugby wants to survive long term, then it can't just talk about player safety The game faces a massive challenge in dealing with the legal issues that are potentially coming its way. Brain trauma is real and … Hamish Bidwell 14 Dec 2020, 12:44
Where are Moana Pasifika's players going to come from and who's going to pay them? Moana Pasifika is a celebration of the Pacific’s rugby talent and culture. It’s a fine initiative that - provided it can pay f… Hamish Bidwell 06 Dec 2020, 17:04
The All Blacks' number 6 jersey is Akira Ioane's for as long as he wants it Ioane looked fit and fearless and even a little bit frightening against Argentina. More than that, he looked a man, and not the ov… Hamish Bidwell 29 Nov 2020, 20:15
Beauden Barrett was building a legacy to match Carter and now has become an All Blacks' afterthought So how has it got to this? How is that Barrett - in the eyes of many of his peers the best New Zealand player of this generation -… Hamish Bidwell 22 Nov 2020, 16:33
'Worst fears realised' - Ian Foster had to win over the fans after his suspect appointment but has failed to do so Foster was the steady-as-she-goes option for NZR, assuming they actually considered anyone else for the post. Poor Scott Robertson… Hamish Bidwell 15 Nov 2020, 15:37
Replacing Aaron Smith with TJ Perenara put the All Blacks' backline at a massive disadvantage I greatly admire Perenara. I haven’t always, but you can’t deny the man’s work-ethic and combativeness. He might not be the … Hamish Bidwell 08 Nov 2020, 17:08
Until the All Blacks are actually put under pressure, we've got no idea if they are any good All Blacks teams aren’t judged week-to-week, but against how they compare with all those who’ve gone before them. We haven’t… Hamish Bidwell 01 Nov 2020, 21:38
We are past the point where Lachlan Boshier's All Blacks omission is acceptable In his play and in the way he carries himself and speaks, the Chiefs and Taranaki flanker screams elite player. More than that, Bo… Hamish Bidwell 26 Oct 2020, 19:01
'The All Blacks have proven nothing': The truth behind New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup II victory The All Blacks have proven nothing and frightened no-one. Hamish Bidwell 18 Oct 2020, 22:56
It's not good enough for the Wallabies to be great one week and garbage the next Some have suggested the Wallabies achieved some kind of moral victory, but that’s just cobblers. Games come in three shapes and … Hamish Bidwell 11 Oct 2020, 21:02
Everyone wants to see a Pasifika Super franchise but expecting NZR to bankroll it in these times is a stretch too far In these straightened financial times, NZR is simply not in a position to absorb the costs associated with suddenly setting a Supe… Hamish Bidwell 04 Oct 2020, 18:17
We're starting to talk about Taniela Tupou as a rugby player - rather than a comic book hero But his all round rugby game is now worthy of great respect too and he looms as one of the more influential figures of the upcomin… Hamish Bidwell 27 Sep 2020, 19:55
Pride of the nation: How the provincial game exemplifies the best of New Zealand rugby Provincial rugby isn’t cheap and the returns aren’t great, but it remains our best connection between the past and the present… Hamish Bidwell 22 Sep 2020, 16:51
Dave Rennie is fantastically good for rugby and the rivalry we need to exist between the All Blacks and Wallabies Now, thanks to Rennie, I can’t wait to see the two teams meet. Can’t wait to see the games he plays with the New Zealand media… Hamish Bidwell 15 Sep 2020, 15:53
Did NZR jump the gun with no games for the All Blacks on the horizon? Whether they can see it or not, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have rained on these players’ parades. They’ve taken a moment of immen… Hamish Bidwell 06 Sep 2020, 21:41
North vs South could be the crown jewel of the 2020 calendar for New Zealand Rugby the way the season is going But actually North v South might be as good as it gets this year. And, actually, rather than being an artificial and meaningless o… Hamish Bidwell 31 Aug 2020, 19:41
Scott Robertson's only point left to prove is NZR got it wrong He can’t sit and wait for Foster to fail with the All Blacks or wish a similar fate upon international coaches elsewhere. He nee… Hamish Bidwell 23 Aug 2020, 16:15
Super Rugby Aotearoa team grades: Crusaders are still the benchmark Whether you call it a fourth Super Rugby title in a row - or just a maiden Aotearoa one - there’s no doubting that the Crusaders… Hamish Bidwell 17 Aug 2020, 18:30
Succession-planning isn't foolproof, Sam Cane needs his best days after rugby We all admire Sam Cane. We respect his playing ability and the way he carries himself. He is the epitome of what we like to think … Hamish Bidwell 09 Aug 2020, 17:16
The Chiefs are better for Cruden's contribution and not every franchise can say that We’re quick to laud returning All Blacks greats - and to imagine all manner of deeds they might perform - but there’s a reason… Hamish Bidwell 02 Aug 2020, 21:38
Suspicion still exists that the wrong man was given charge of the All Blacks In the absence of test footy, Super Rugby Aotearoa has further underlined what a fine job Scott Robertson does as coach of the Cru… Hamish Bidwell 27 Jul 2020, 13:37
Barrett's situation stuck at the back is his own doing and will likely only get worse Whether his intended audience was the rugby public, or Blues coach Leon MacDonald, the situation remains one of Barrett’s own ma… Hamish Bidwell 20 Jul 2020, 14:02
The elephant in the room with Sam Cane's All Black captaincy McCaw was, by and large, always the best player in his position in this country, which you would have to argue Cane is not. Hamish Bidwell 13 Jul 2020, 20:15
Don't blame Gatland, here's the real reason the Chiefs are 0-4 Gatland’s not a clown. He might have a tight five that aren’t particularly dominant, but he remains one of the finest and most… Hamish Bidwell 05 Jul 2020, 20:27
Rugby League's 'circus act' response to All Blacks-Kangaroos hybrid test a surprise Where the match did look a bit of a nonsense was from the rugby league perspective. Hamish Bidwell 28 Jun 2020, 20:12
Crusaders teams don't beat themselves like the Hurricanes, they are far too good When you’re built on the sort of foundations the Crusaders are, then playing well is just the inevitable outcome. Hamish Bidwell 21 Jun 2020, 19:54
Beauden Barrett has done the right thing leaving the Hurricanes tight five behind Leaving the Hurricanes was obviously as much about lifestyle and commercial opportunities as it was about football. But rugby sure… Hamish Bidwell 14 Jun 2020, 19:57
Dan Carter's greatest Blues contribution remains to be seen If he’s only capable of cameos from the bench, that won’t diminish his standing or legacy and it surely won’t impact his abi… Hamish Bidwell 07 Jun 2020, 17:28
How a well-intended New Zealand initiative could threaten the integrity of rugby New Zealand Rugby (NZR) are attempting to eliminate any potential impediments to the playing of club and secondary schools rugby i… Hamish Bidwell 01 Jun 2020, 18:20
If Robertson can work his magic with Whitelock, Crusaders will be title favourites Whitelock’s return ought to make them certain favourites, but we’ll have to wait and see if Robertson can keep working his mag… Hamish Bidwell 24 May 2020, 19:31
The NRL and AFL have no problem banking mega-deals, why does NZR need to cry poor to the Northern Unions? People in other parts of the world watch both codes, but hardly in massive numbers. Never mind because Australian television netwo… Hamish Bidwell 18 May 2020, 19:42
Beauden Barrett's Blues debut will prove he is, far and away, the country's best first five-eighth If I were King, he would start every All Blacks test from here until the end of his career. That doesn’t mean I’m blind to the… Hamish Bidwell 10 May 2020, 23:06
The future All Black may only have time to play for his country in the new international game A time will come when All Blacks are simply that. Not Hurricanes or Crusaders or Chiefs, but blokes whose sole responsibility is b… Hamish Bidwell 03 May 2020, 21:06
The arranged marriage of South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina is over This year’s Super Rugby competition is over and, even without the Sunwolves from 2021, a Four-Nations’ franchise tournament ap… Hamish Bidwell 27 Apr 2020, 20:44
New Zealand Rugby are never going to get a better opportunity to reclaim ownership of the game Let’s instead return to a model that we once liked very much, that reflected our nation and its values and which, just as import… Hamish Bidwell 19 Apr 2020, 19:52
Why All Blacks fans should hope the Wallabies become a powerful force again The problems with the game in Australia run far, far deeper than the chief executive of RA and won’t be fixed in a hurry. Hamish Bidwell 05 Apr 2020, 19:05
Cullen, Kirwan, Carter, Kaino: The all-time All Blacks XV There have been many outstanding All Blacks who have taken to the field over the years, but only a select few have made the cut in… Hamish Bidwell 29 Mar 2020, 20:33
Why 1996 is still the greatest year for All Black rugby and what we can learn from it now The ‘Incomparables’ the All Blacks were dubbed afterwards, having avenged all sorts of history en route to that first away ser… Hamish Bidwell 24 Mar 2020, 17:57
Coronavirus impact could force NZR to hit the reset button Proclamations are overtaken by actual events every five minutes at the moment, but it seems pretty safe to say Super Rugby is a go… Hamish Bidwell 15 Mar 2020, 19:52
Hurricanes' co-captains losing the plot and the coach's reaction a sorry sight after loss to Blues It’s hard to know what was worse for Hurricanes fans on Saturday night. The sight of their co-captains losing the plot completel… Hamish Bidwell 08 Mar 2020, 15:22
Penalty count stacking up against the powers that be as Southern Hemisphere rugby takes a tumble The facts are that the member SANZAAR unions - South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina - have agreements in place until… Hamish Bidwell 02 Mar 2020, 15:25
The lack of meaningful games until the next World Cup is hurting the Southern Hemisphere game Meaningful games? The All Blacks won’t play one between now and the knockout rounds of the next Rugby World Cup. Hamish Bidwell 25 Feb 2020, 13:29
There is a reason why Aaron Cruden's All Black-ship has already sailed Cruden is a good player and it’s nice that he’s getting a Super Rugby farewell, but let’s not use a game and a half of footy… Hamish Bidwell 16 Feb 2020, 17:23
New Zealand Rugby's day of reckoning isn't far off with a broken model heading towards bankruptcy At its most recent Annual General Meeting, NZR forecast a $30 million loss over the next five years. The model, as it exists now, … Hamish Bidwell 10 Feb 2020, 19:16
Leon MacDonald's big mistake: why David Havili would have been a better target than Beauden Barrett While Leon MacDonald's Blues went hammer and tongs to bring Beauden Barrett north, the All Blacks playmaker will be absent for ove… Hamish Bidwell 06 Feb 2020, 13:43
All Blacks going on sabbaticals should not be coming back to New Zealand Rugby Equality and empowerment are among the great All Blacks myths. We’re told of the lengths the team go to to ensure everyone feels… Hamish Bidwell 27 Jan 2020, 21:14
How new Hurricanes assistant Cory Jane has proven the value of being a star former player in the world of coaching Cory Jane was certainly a fine player, but less than three years removed from his last game as a Hurricane, the ex-All Blacks wing… Hamish Bidwell 16 Jan 2020, 16:46
Why Kieran Read won't be remembered as an all-time great If he was that good, he wouldn’t have spent so much time at blindside flanker. As it was, Ardie Savea’s claims to the No.8 jer… Hamish Bidwell 04 Jan 2020, 12:32
How New Zealand Rugby is losing faith with ongoing drama surrounding All Blacks coaching appointments New Zealand Rugby has created an environment where people will be happy to see new All Blacks head coach Ian Foster fail, writes H… Hamish Bidwell 16 Dec 2019, 17:27
Why John Plumtree might swing the All Blacks' coaching ticket in Foster's favour Plumtree only wanted the top job but here is now, about to potentially become deputy to Ian Foster. A lot must have changed then. … Hamish Bidwell 09 Dec 2019, 20:06
How the Crusaders blew a golden opportunity to make a statement If rugby weren’t a big deal in this country, then maybe little of this would matter. But it’s not. It’s the biggest deal goi… Hamish Bidwell 04 Dec 2019, 19:40