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Tom Vinicombe Tom Vinicombe is Southern Hemisphere features editor for RugbyPass. Tom has travelled the world covering rugby and lived in Europe, Asia and Oceania.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Where does Sam Cane go from here?

Sam Cane might be rethinking his future after a sad end to the Rugby World Cup.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Jacques Nienaber has pinned Springboks' World Cup hopes on gratuitous risk

A 7-1 bench is an absurd proposition but it's especially hard to comprehend when it forces the omission of one of the Springboks' …

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

The All Blacks' hopes against Springboks rest on young shoulders

The scrum battle will prove decisive at the Stade de France on Saturday night.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

All Blacks and Springboks set to make way for the new world order

It's not always the most consistent or impressive team over the four-year World Cup cycle that eventually heads home with the fabl…

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

One last dark horse for the All Blacks' World Cup push

Ian Foster should consider a last-minute change-up to the All Blacks' first XV.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

D-Day arrives for fringe All Blacks as Ireland looms on the horizon

One final pool game presents a few fringe players with a last opportunity to advance their case for sudden-death selection.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Shannon Frizell could prevent the All Blacks leaving France empty handed

Barnstorming performances from Shannon Frizell might be the difference between the All Blacks going home with the Webb Ellis Cup o…

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

The All Blacks must hand Dupont-like Cam Roigard the keys to the kingdom

All Blacks coach Ian Foster must throw caution to the wind and make a big change at halfback.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

The eleventh hour has arrived for All Blacks hopefuls

It's last chance saloon for fringe All Blacks to push their case for national selection.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Immovable object could be last piece of Chiefs dynasty puzzle

2023 could mark the beginning of a Chiefs legacy.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Another World Cup dark horse has emerged for the All Blacks

A young Chief could force his way into the national selection frame with more minutes under his belt.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Joseph Suaalii recruitment a triumph even if Wallabies out of reach

Joseph Suaalii's recruitment by Rugby Australia could have a long-lasting effect.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Have Hurricanes halves provided a glimpse at All Blacks future?

Cam Roigard and Brett Cameron will forge a strong halves combo for the Hurricanes.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Incumbent All Blacks' pain could be Shaun Stevenson's gain

A refresh on the wings could once again be on the cards for the All Blacks.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

The All Blacks need to find their new 'bastards'

Dane Coles and Brodie Retallick are going to be almost impossible for the All Blacks to replace.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

All Blacks are ill-prepared for departures of Barrett and Smith

Aaron Smith's and Beauden Barrett's departures overseas next year will leave the All Blacks in a sticky situation.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Freddie Burns could be just the tonic the Highlanders need

Premiership winner Freddie Burns could push the Highlanders to greater heights.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Redemption awaits for All Blacks incumbent No 6 Scott Barrett

2023 could be the year that Scott Barrett proves himself world class.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Dave Rennie sacking says more about Rugby Australia than coach

Dave Rennie isn't the first Wallabies coach to lose his job mid-contract.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

It's now or never for Beauden Barrett's Blues

The stars have aligned for the Blues.

Interview
Tom Vinicombe

'I still can't really talk about it': Zarn Sullivan on the comeback trail

A freak injury during the NPC stymied Zarn Sullivan's prodigious development.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

The hunt for the next All Blacks No 10

There are no heirs apparent to the likes of Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

The curse of the Barrett brothers

Beauden Barrett would benefit immensely from Jordie Barrett's presence in the midfield.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Life's about to get much tougher for Caleb Clarke

The return of Anton Lienert-Brown could spell trouble for All Blacks wing Caleb Clarke.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Is Damian McKenzie a genuine No 10 option for the All Blacks?

Damian McKenzie delivered a sterling performance for the All Blacks XV against Ireland A.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Why Jordie Barrett's midfield move might still be temporary

Jordie Barrett's exceptional performance might not be enough to sway Ian Foster.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

An All Blacks captain shouldn't be leaving the pitch before the job is done

If Sam Cane is the right man to captain the All Blacks then Foster needs to back him to get the job done for the full 80 minutes.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

All Blacks craving fresh hooker blood

Dane Coles and Codie Taylor have been incredible servants of the game in NZ - but they're not the forces they once were.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Time ticking for All Blacks midfield as World Cup looms

With just a dozen or so matches left until the World Cup, the All Blacks are running out of time to experiment.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Will what's been or what could be determine Ian Foster's future?

If there was enough on display at Ellis Park to suggest the All Blacks have turned a corner then the historic defeats can – and …

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Maori All Blacks fullback Zarn Sullivan on the road to stardom

Despite a slow start to the season, Zarn Sullivan is on track to becoming a world-class fullback.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Luke Jacobson omission sends clear All Blacks message

Luke Jacobson has paid the price for being a jack of all trades with the Chiefs this season.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Time for the All Blacks to gamble on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has played just nine games of professional rugby union. Is that enough for All Blacks selection?

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

How will Super Rugby selection dictate All Blacks elevation?

Will some big decisions by Super Rugby coaches influence the make-up of the first All Blacks squad of 2022?

Tom Vinicombe

The one-two punch that could ignite the All Blacks attack

Two emerging halfbacks could prove crucial to the future success of the All Blacks.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Fortune favours the bold: Ian Foster's All Blacks gambit

It's time for Ian Foster to make some brave selection calls.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

All-conquering Blues the next New Zealand superpower

Are we witnessing a shift in the power base of New Zealand rugby?

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

What's happened to New Zealand wunderkind Etene Nanai-Seturo?

Etene Nanai-Seturo was once touted as the next big thing in New Zealand rugby.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Imagine what a full-strength Moana Pasifika could accomplish

Despite having a torrid lead-in to their debut season, Moana Pasifika are already proving their worth.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Coronation of Josh Lord has jumbled the pecking order of NZ's locks

Spare a thought for the likes of Mitch Dunshea, Quinten Strange and Pari Pari Parkinson.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

The big asterisk for the Crusaders in 2022

The Crusaders have often struggled without Richie Mo'unga at flyhalf.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Career-defining season ahead for former All Black Josh Ioane

The upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season could reinvigorate Josh Ioane's All Blacks career.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Eligibility tweaks and Autumn thrills game-changing for RWC

An already game-changing November has culminated in international eligibility changes.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Can Antoine Dupont arrest Aaron Smith's mantle in Paris?

All should be trembling in anticipation at this weekend's potential scrum-half battle.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Mouth-watering mid-year challenge looms for All Blacks

The All Blacks may finally have a challenge on their hands in their own backyard.

Interview
Tom Vinicombe

Manu Samoa 'under no illusions' ahead of Barbarians clash

Manu Samoa are preparing for a Barbarians onslaught at Twickenham.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Ireland, not France, will be the All Blacks' toughest test

Ireland have been quietly going about their business without any of the hype of France.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Springboks finally take first steps towards rebuild

With so many tough games to kick off the year, only now are the Springboks giving chances to young players.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Abundant All Blacks versatility might open the door for Quinn Tupaea

The All Blacks showed off their backline's unique versatility against Wales.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Last chance saloon arrives for All Blacks loose forwards

With the axe hanging ominously over the All Blacks loose forwards, the next month will prove crucial.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Why the USA can take heart from Japan's improvement

There are some parallels between the USA and Japan, even if their rugby development is years apart.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Chance arrives for Japan to prove Rugby Championship mettle

The Brave Blossoms have yet to prove they can compete with the speed of the Wallabies or All Blacks.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Eagles showdown both a promise and a warning for All Blacks

Games between the All Blacks and USA could become more plentiful in the years to come.

Interview
Tom Vinicombe

Clayton McMillan's Chiefs eyeing bold Super Rugby future

Clayton McMillan and Warren Gatland are cooking up something special in Chiefs country.

Tom Vinicombe

Springboks skirmish will be true test of Wallabies' standing

After a tough three-match stint, the Wallabies finally have some respite from the All Blacks.

Tom Vinicombe

World Cup versatility on trial in All Blacks' mammoth tour

When Ian Foster is selecting his World Cup squad, he may look back on 2021 with begrudging fondness.

Opinion
Tom Vinicombe

Who will make the most of Aaron Smith's All Blacks absence?

The next month looms as a crucial time for TJ Perenara and Brad Weber to prove their starting pedigree.

Tom Vinicombe

All Blacks dream not over for Japan-bound Brett Cameron

Brett Cameron's surprise call-up to the All Blacks in 2018 was just the start of his rugby odyssey.

Tom Vinicombe

Marika Koroibete's rescinded red card a lesson for World Rugby

World Rugby need to seriously rethink 20-minute red cards.

Tom Vinicombe

The era of Ardie Savea has arrived

With Sam Cane set to spend plenty of time on the sidelines, Ardie Savea needs to make a statement.

Tom Vinicombe

Japan's progress must not cost the Pacific nations

The Rugby Championship can't simply keep absorbing new teams when they reach tier-one status.

Tom Vinicombe

Damian McKenzie at a career crossroads

A stint overseas, no matter how short, could spell an end to Damian McKenzie's All Blacks hopes.

Tom Vinicombe

All Blacks exclusion could be the making of Cullen Grace

Paradoxically, being dropped by the All Blacks could kick-start the career of 21-year-old Cullen Grace.

Tom Vinicombe

The new propping blood gunning for All Blacks selection

The All Blacks will look to rejuvenate their front-row in 2021. Which men are due a call-up?

Tom Vinicombe

Half's time

Promising Chiefs halfback Xavier Roe has finally earned himself a start after an exceptional provincial season.

Tom Vinicombe

Loose ideas

An injury to Shannon Frizell has possibly made the loose forwards selection picture clearer for the All Blacks.

Tom Vinicombe

Red mist

The Reds' 40-34 win over the Chiefs breathes new life into a competition that was quickly becoming stale.

Tom Vinicombe

A rock and a hard place

There's no obvious solution to fix Super Rugby Trans-Tasman moving forward.

Tom Vinicombe

Shifting tides

Samoa haven't played a test match since 2019 but there's plenty to look forward to for the island nation.

Tom Vinicombe

Running before walking

Bonus points could decide the Trans-Tasman finalists but shouldn't be chased at the expense of a win.

Tom Vinicombe

Dynamic duo

The Crusaders had one All Blacks midfield combo before the season started. They've unearthed another.

Tom Vinicombe

Rising son

Isaac Lucas is a once in a generation Australian talent currently making waves in Japan.

Tom Vinicombe

Slog or sidelines

There's no middle ground in Super Rugby Aotearoa this year - if you're not a seasoned pro, you're left right out.

Tom Vinicombe

That winning feeling

After a torrid year, the Chiefs have finally rediscovered the lost art of winning.

Tom Vinicombe

Rise from the ashes

NZ were once unstoppable at Under 20s level but the landscape has changed over the last decade.

Tom Vinicombe

Advantage over

Quirks of the law were brought to fore in the Chiefs' golden-point win over the Highlanders.

Tom Vinicombe

Pain, pleasure and patience

Pari Pari Parkinson, one of the most promising physical specimens in New Zealand rugby, is back.

Tom Vinicombe

Bubble and squeak

A Trans-Tasman Super competition has just gone from doubtful to highly likely. That's good news for everyone.

Tom Vinicombe

Blue blooded

Joe Rokocoko's soft spot for the Crusaders vanished when they beat his beloved Blues in the 1998 Super 12 final.

Tom Vinicombe

League of his own

Leicester Fainga’anuku is setting Super Rugby Aotearoa alight. But he’s ambivalent about how his career develops.

Tom Vinicombe

Generation X

A new crop of Kiwi 10s are set to make names for themselves in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Tom Vinicombe

High-speed half-life

The Hurricanes struggled to replace Beauden Barrett in 2020. How will they fair without TJ Perenara in 2021?

Tom Vinicombe

Red and black and black and blue

After a year blighted by injury, Quinten Strange is ready to reaffirm his place in the pecking order.

Tom Vinicombe

Final push

Rugged All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick is eyeing the 2023 World Cup as his international swansong.

Tom Vinicombe

Cracking the code

History shows Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's high-profile move from league to union will not be an easy task.

Tom Vinicombe

Unburdened and unbowed

Liam Squire sets the record straight on the media storm that was his 2019 season.

Tom Vinicombe

Fullback gambit

The All Blacks' dual-playmaker strategy requires a demanding skillset from NZ fullbacks.

Tom Vinicombe

Annus mirabilis

He started the year a hopeful sevens player but Caleb Clarke ended 2020 as a global superstar.

Tom Vinicombe

Fresh start

After four years at the Chiefs, fullback Solomon Alaimalo hopes a move to the Highlanders will reignite his career.

Tom Vinicombe

Mana on mana

The Maori All Blacks holds a special place for those who put on the famous jersey.

Tom Vinicombe

Home comforts

Bryn Gatland has finally landed his dream contract at the Chiefs.

Tom Vinicombe

Rethinking the Argentina approach

Argentina's victory over New Zealand showed that more matches don't always lead to better results.

Tom Vinicombe

Prop, rock and roll

Taniela Tupou showed in Bledisloe IV exactly what the All Blacks are missing from their propping stables.

Tom Vinicombe

Perfect prototype

Caleb Clarke may be 110kg of destructive power, but he’s no one-trick pony.

Tom Vinicombe

Honeymoon is over

A wave of euphoria swept through New Zealand rugby in June, but the bubble has burst.

Tom Vinicombe

Rugby's greatest mismatch

The man set to replace Warren Gatland almost produced one of the greatest upsets of the modern era.

Tom Vinicombe

Taking sides

On Sunday, for the first time in almost three decades, a Kiwi referee took charge of an All Blacks match.

Tom Vinicombe

Tales of the unexpected

Tupou Vaa’i didn’t even have a Super Rugby contract at the start of the year. Now he’s an All Black.

Tom Vinicombe

School of hard knocks

Anton Lienert-Brown has fought a long mental battle to become a regular All Black.

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