Opinion
All Blacks-Ireland rivalry peaked in 2023, it's over now
Ireland are walking into the Lions' den with poor form and an old team. The rest of the world is still doubting the All Blacks, wr…
Ben Smith
15 Jul 2026, 7:38
47
{{item.n}}
Contributors
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.
'Ardie is not that': Ex-All Black fed up with the selection of hybrid players
Ex-All Black halfback Justin Marshall is fed up with certain hybrid player selections and wants the All Blacks selectors to start …
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2026, 10:09
18
Rieko Ioane called back into All Blacks squad
Returning Leinster and Blues midfielder Rieko Ioane has been called back into the All Blacks squad as injury cover.
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2026, 9:02
11
Erasmus details timeline for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's Bok return
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has provided an update on the timeline for Sacha Fienberg-Mngomezulu's Springbok return.
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2026, 6:22
Rugby World Cup qualifiers dealt five cards in Nations Cup as Europe dominates
Rugby World Cup regulars Georgia and Chile have gone top of Pools A and B in the World Rugby Nations Cup after two rounds, which p…
Ben Smith
12 Jul 2026, 14:06
Opinion
The All Blacks have the best No.12 in the world and the next WPOY
If you need any more proof that Jordie Barrett is the best midfielder in the world right now, watch his pass over the top to Will …
Ben Smith
12 Jul 2026, 13:06
51
Rennie's update on Leroy Carter and Luke Jacobson after first half departures
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed pair Luke Jacobson and Leroy Carter left the field with injuries against Italy.
Ben Smith
12 Jul 2026, 6:09
1
Dave Rennie on where he wants improvements from All Blacks after Italy win
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie was pleased with the improvements his side made against Italy following their win over France la…
Ben Smith
12 Jul 2026, 5:53
8
Interview
'Love, their number 10, it's a yellow:' Italy coach Quesada's tirade after loss to All Blacks
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has gone on a tirade after his side's 47-17 defeat to the All Blacks in Wellington
Ben Smith
11 Jul 2026, 18:13
37
Opinion
All Blacks vs Italy takes: Tale of two Italian sides, Moorby made for it
It was a record breaking night for right wing Will Jordan, becoming the first All Black to reach 50 Test tries, while Josh Moorby …
Ben Smith
11 Jul 2026, 16:14
14
Opinion
Damian McKenzie proved to be the perfect fullback for Ruben Love
Despite missing out on the No.10 jersey, McKenzie has found a perfect role at fullback that complements, not detracts, from Love.
Ben Smith
09 Jul 2026, 6:19
17
'That's nonsense': Ex-Bok coach takes aim at Borthwick's Pollock decision
Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett has criticised Steve Borthwick's decision to play rising England star Henry Pollock from…
Ben Smith
06 Jul 2026, 8:41
12
'He has that IQ': Ex-All Blacks debate whether Cam Roigard is world's best No.9
Over 60 per cent of fans polled on Sky Sport NZ's The Breakdown believed that New Zealand have the world's best No.9 with Roigard'…
Ben Smith
06 Jul 2026, 7:27
93
The verdict on Ruben Love from Rennie and Savea after first No.10 start
All Blacks new first five Ruben Love has been prasied by his coach and captain following his first run in the No.10 jersey in the …
Ben Smith
05 Jul 2026, 11:11
27
'Weird to see': Quade Cooper breaks down Jalibert and France's tactics that stunned All Blacks early
France's fast start seemed to find the flaw in New Zealand's defensive system all too easily, with Penaud running into a wide open…
Ben Smith
05 Jul 2026, 9:37
10
Opinion
All Blacks vs France takes: Jalibert's A-game, All Blacks' high risk style
The All Blacks outscored France by five tries to four and escaped with a 34-32 victory in Dave Rennie's first Test in charge in Ch…
Ben Smith
04 Jul 2026, 18:16
54
Ruben Love the confident pick at No.10 as All Blacks adopt 'optimistic' mindset
The selection of in-form first five Ruben Love is central to the new 'optimistic' philosophy within the All Blacks, with the 25-ye…
Ben Smith
02 Jul 2026, 15:39
4
'Two best fullbacks in the world': Why Rennie moved Will Jordan back to the wing
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie revealed that discussions have been in the works for months around Will Jordan's move back to th…
Ben Smith
02 Jul 2026, 14:16
59
Dave Rennie names two debutants in All Blacks team to face France
Dave Rennie has named his first All Black team to play France in the opening game of the Nations Championship at One New Zealand S…
Ben Smith
02 Jul 2026, 12:11
213
Opinion
Bought not built: Rassie's importing has sacrificed the identity of Bok rugby
The suggestion was that the Springboks remain 'pure' as they have no foreign-born players in the team, unlike other nations. Well,…
Ben Smith
30 Jun 2026, 12:30
80
