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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.

1452 Articles
Opinion

South Africa's clubs divorced Super Rugby to become the URC bridesmaids

The two best South African club teams have booked semi-final trips to Europe, with the Bulls and Stormers set to head to Glasgow a…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
30 May 2026, 16:57

'It looks pretty serious': Springbok star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on crutches

The Stormers are counting the injury toll of their 44-21 win over Cardiff in their URC quarter-final with up to four players now i…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
30 May 2026, 14:00

Jordie Barrett leaves door open for Leinster return to chase Champions Cup glory

All Black midfielder Jordie Barrett has left the door open for a potential return to Leinster to chase a European title after watc…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 May 2026, 19:02

'Not allowed to breathe': Rival URC coach defends under-fire Jacques Nienaber after Leinster's loss

Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys has defended rival Leinster defence coach Jacques Nienaber ahead of their URC quarter-fi…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 May 2026, 14:59

Stormers freak training ground incident threatens quarter-final for star duo

The Stormers are sweating on the availability of two backline stars ahead of Saturday's URC quarter-final against Cardiff. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 May 2026, 14:36

Sevu Reece set for 100th as Crusaders push for home playoff game

The Crusaders have named a formidable team as they prepare to take on the Hurricanes at One New Zealand Stadium in what will be Se…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
26 May 2026, 21:15
Opinion

Hurricanes vs Bordeaux Begles: European champs 10-point underdog against NZ's best

Should the back-to-back European champions Bordeaux Begles face off against Super Rugby's dominant team, the Hurricanes would be 1…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
26 May 2026, 20:55
Opinion

The next Kiwi recruit who could help Leinster get back to European glory

While on the day, Bordeaux were clearly the better team, Leinster are still just about the only European side able to match it wit…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 May 2026, 20:53

Lienert-Brown cops four week ban

Highlanders prop Daniel Lienert-Brown has received a four-week ban following the 45-28 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 May 2026, 20:44

'Tried and true': Ex-All Black winger Rico Gear assesses the options out wide for Dave Rennie

Ex-All Black winger Rico Gear has backed the experienced wingers to do the job on the edges under new head coach Dave Rennie in 20…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
23 May 2026, 21:09
Opinion

Transfer market: Five off-contract value targets for New Zealand Super Rugby teams

With Super Rugby Pacific coming into the last two rounds of competition for 2026, there are many New Zealand players whose contrac…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
20 May 2026, 17:51

'Saving the game in this country': Why Hurricanes must win Super Rugby Pacific

Ex-All Black Jeff Wilson believes the Hurricanes are providing the model example of how New Zealand should be playing the game in …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 May 2026, 17:42

'There's no way': Ex-All Black shuts down Beauden Barrett versus Josh Jacomb debate

Former All Blacks Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina have debated the possibility that Blues first five Beauden Barrett loses his place…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 May 2026, 15:21

'It's a waste of a spot': Ex-All Blacks on the case against Fineanganofo

Former All Blacks Stephen Donald, Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina unanimously agree that Hurricanes breakthrough winger Fehi Fineang…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
18 May 2026, 16:46
Opinion

What to do with Beauden Barrett as Blues hit post-championship free fall

The Blues are clearly in trouble on the post-championship fall despite being third on the ladder. They were hammered 47-24 by the …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
17 May 2026, 19:12

Highlanders confirm the worst case for Caleb Tangitau's injury

The Highlanders have confirmed the extent of All Black hopeful Caleb Tangitau's leg injury suffered on the final play against the …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 20:20

Ex-All Black captain Read takes aim at NZR over Mo'unga situation

Former All Black captain Kieran Read has sounded off at New Zealand Rugby over the handling of Richie Mo'unga's eligibility. 

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 16:52

'We don't do that': NZR rule out buying out Fehi Fineanganofo's contract

Hurricanes flyer and form wing Fehi Fineanganofo equalled the all-time season try scoring record in Super Rugby with his 16th agai…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 16:28

Josh Jacomb: 'Important to address the elephant in the room'

The Chiefs and Hurricanes have emerged as the two favourites to take the title in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific race, with both spo…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
16 May 2026, 16:07
Opinion

The four All Blacks at risk of not making the cut in 2026

With a whole new regime coming in with a new selection staff, including former coach Graham Henry, there is probably more pressure…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
14 May 2026, 0:11
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