International Rugby
'Biggest name throughout Super Rugby': Ex-All Black left puzzled by left wing selection
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Ben Smith
@bensmithrugby
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.
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'They’re going to double-team him': Ex-All Black captain Read identifies forward pack weakness
Former All Black captain Kieran Read has identified a tactical weakness in the forward pack that he believes will be exploited by …
Ben Smith
03 Aug 2026, 5:43
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'Guys are going to get tired': Ex-Bok prop Kitshoff predicts 3-1 series win for South Africa
Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has predicted a 3-1 series victory for South Africa over the All Blacks in the Greatest Riva…
Ben Smith
02 Aug 2026, 10:31
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Opinion
Deep parallels to 2010 for the All Blacks ahead of South Africa
It was crisis mode for the All Blacks that triggered an introspective look at the team's tactics, selections and operations. From …
Ben Smith
30 Jul 2026, 13:39
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'It's tough for him': All Blacks reveal plan for Beauden Barrett on South African tour
All Blacks head coach has revealed the plan for first five Beauden Barrett with the veteran set to play the first game of the tour…
Ben Smith
29 Jul 2026, 10:51
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Why the All Blacks were forced into 'obvious' call to leave Ardie Savea home
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea will miss the early stages of the tour to South Africa with Rennie and his coaching team making a s…
Ben Smith
27 Jul 2026, 12:37
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'Dupes is a good player': Why Ethan Blackadder was recalled to All Blacks and Kirifi missed out again
The announcement of the 44-man touring squad to South Africa featured a number of surprises in the loose forwards including Crusad…
Ben Smith
27 Jul 2026, 12:05
16
'Couldn't stop shaking': Why Dave Rennie called up Semisi Tupou Ta'ieloa
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has detailed the shock that newly selected All Black squad member Semisi Tupou Ta'ieloa had when…
Ben Smith
27 Jul 2026, 11:51
Report: Moana Pasifika's Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa tipped to make All Blacks squad
Uncapped Moana Pasifika forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa has been tipped to make the All Blacks squad according to a report.
Ben Smith
26 Jul 2026, 13:24
55
'Can only live off reputation for so long': Ex-Bok coach questions Eben Etzebeth's place in side
Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth is under pressure to retain his place in the top Springbok side after a long stint of the sidelines.
Ben Smith
26 Jul 2026, 10:20
36
All Black great Ma'a Nonu leaves Toulon for new role at South African club
All Black great Ma'a Nonu will join South African club Hollywood Bet Sharks after finishing his second stint with Top 14 club Toul…
Ben Smith
26 Jul 2026, 9:35
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'Small steps': The ex-All Blacks coach in charge of reshaping Wallabies defence
Incoming Wallabies head coach Less Kiss has brought in him former All Blacks assistant Scott McLeod from the Kubota Spears with hi…
Ben Smith
23 Jul 2026, 12:34
6
Argentina's Albornoz charged following altercation with match officials
Argentina's flyhalf Tomás Albornoz has been issued with misconduct charges following his side's close 31-24 loss to England at Es…
Ben Smith
23 Jul 2026, 10:25
25
Opinion
Why the Springboks' rush defence won't bother the All Blacks
On the Boks' defence not being what it once was, the Springboks conceded five tries and 31 points to the Barbarians, three tries a…
Ben Smith
22 Jul 2026, 15:26
115
'Boks will come with the same game plan': Schalk Burger predicts Wellington repeat for All Blacks
Former Springboks flanker Schalk Burger has predicted that South Africa will replicate their Welllington game plan when they face …
Ben Smith
22 Jul 2026, 5:48
55
Opinion
Luke Jacobson might be the jack of all trades and master of none
The most surprising selection sprung by Dave Rennie and his selectors this July was picking Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson as the st…
Ben Smith
21 Jul 2026, 13:24
16
'Don't have the size': Tupou Vaa'i favoured to play blindside against the Springboks
Ex-All Blacks Jeff Wilson and Justin Marshall believe that Tupou Vaa'i has secured the No.6 jersey to face the Springboks based on…
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2026, 6:29
6
USA hold off Spain to remain undefeated in the Nations Cup
USA have held off a resilient Spain side by 29-22 in North Carolina to remain undefeated in the Nations Cup with three wins from t…
Ben Smith
19 Jul 2026, 9:49
What Rennie wants the most from the tour to South Africa and Springboks Test series
The All Blacks have started the new era under Dave Rennie with three wins from as many Test matches, but the next challenge will b…
Ben Smith
19 Jul 2026, 7:33
55
Why the All Blacks pulled Ruben Love from the field against Ireland
All Blacks first five-eighth Ruben Love was pulled from the field in the 56th minute against Ireland with fullback Damian McKenzie…
Ben Smith
19 Jul 2026, 6:26
7
'Not the greatest decision': Rennie weighs in on Luke Jacobson's yellow card
he All Blacks had the foot on the throttle against Ireland early with a 14-0 lead and were searching for more before a dangerous c…
Ben Smith
19 Jul 2026, 6:01
10
