International Rugby
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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.
1289 Articles
Why Schmidt recalled Taniela Tupou to start for the Wallabies in third Test
Taniela Tupou will get his chance to play the British & Irish Lions in a Test match after featuring twice already during the tour …
Ben Smith
31 Jul 2025, 15:24
'Copped a lot of online abuse': Joe Schmidt on the absence of Carlo Tizzano and Rob Valetini
The Wallabies will be without two of their loose forwards with star blindside flanker Rob Valetini and reserve openside Carlo Tizz…
Ben Smith
31 Jul 2025, 14:56
Wallabies vs B&I Lions takes: Gibson-Park saved Lions, Gordon proved costly
The British & Irish Lions produced a stirring second half which produced a series-winning try to Hugo Keenan.
Ben Smith
27 Jul 2025, 13:36
Finn Russell's unnerving confession about first Test win over Wallabies
Lions flyhalf Finn Russell produced a big opening first half to the series opener as the British & Irish Lions won 27-19 over the …
Ben Smith
20 Jul 2025, 15:54
Opinion
Lions vs Wallabies takes: Curry in red hot form, Suaalii suffocated
The Lions coasted to a 24-5 lead in Brisbane before closing out the first Test with an unconvincing second half against the Wallab…
Ben Smith
19 Jul 2025, 20:48
Opinion
The British & Irish Lions are historic in name, but losers by nature
It's uncharted territory for the British & Irish Lions to be considered 'winners'. But perhaps this is what the growing rugby supe…
Ben Smith
17 Jul 2025, 15:21
Lions back rower Jack Conan on Wallabies 'hard time' ahead of first Test
British & Irish Lions No.8 Jack Conan believes the Wallabies haven't had a fair portrayal in the lead up to the first Test in Bris…
Ben Smith
15 Jul 2025, 13:03
Robertson on the All Blacks' new lineout innovations and the guru behind them
The All Blacks first three tries against France in Wellington came from the lineout, with two trick plays involved with exposing t…
Ben Smith
15 Jul 2025, 9:42
O'Keeffe gets Springboks as officials announced for Rugby Championship
The match officials for the 2025 Rugby Championship have been announced featuring a total of 11 referees from six countries and 33…
Ben Smith
14 Jul 2025, 11:34
Tupou Vaa'i out of third test as All Blacks mull changes including Love at No.10
Lock turned All Blacks blindside flanker Tupou Vaa'i is out of the third and final Test against France in Hamilton after suffering…
Ben Smith
14 Jul 2025, 8:54
'Spanked, asses empty': French media rips into team after 'supercharged' All Blacks win
French rugby writer Marc Duzan of Midi Olympique has sensationally torn into France after their 43-17 loss to the All Blacks in th…
Ben Smith
13 Jul 2025, 10:54
Opinion
All Blacks player ratings vs France | Lipovitan-D July Series 2nd Test
The All Blacks bounced back with a comprehensive beat down of France in the second Test of the Lipovitan-D July series.
Ben Smith
12 Jul 2025, 17:05
Scott Barrett injury confirmed as All Blacks search for replacement
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out of the remainder of the Lipovitan-D July series against France after scans con…
Ben Smith
08 Jul 2025, 9:25
Opinion
All Blacks vs France takes: Rieko very rusty, France's MVP the TMO
This was an experimental All Black side with four debutants, multiple players out of their core positions, and plenty of players w…
Ben Smith
06 Jul 2025, 9:30
Will Jordan on the 'soft' tries that let France back into the game
Will Jordan's night at fullback lasted all of 58 seconds after an injury to Sevu Reece saw the No.15 move to the familiar right wi…
Ben Smith
06 Jul 2025, 8:26
Du'Plessis Kirifi on the All Blacks final defensive stand against France
Preserving a four point lead after a 73rd minute penalty goal, the All Blacks had to withstand a late push by France who had the b…
Ben Smith
05 Jul 2025, 18:27
Opinion
All Blacks player ratings vs France | Lipovitan-D July Series 1st Test
The All Blacks survived a shaky defensive performance to beat the French tourists 31-27 in Dunedin in the first Test of the July s…
Ben Smith
05 Jul 2025, 17:17
Scott Barrett on Tupou Vaa'i's move to blindside flanker for the All Blacks
All Black captain Scott Barrett is no stranger to being thrust into the back row at blindside, and knows the task ahead of dynamic…
Ben Smith
04 Jul 2025, 12:39
Crusaders re-sign loose forward Ethan Blackadder
Crusaders loose forward Ethan Blackadder has re-signed with NZR and the Crusaders for one more season in 2026.
Ben Smith
02 Jul 2025, 7:38
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reveals who the fastest player in New Zealand is
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has revealed who the fastest player in New Zealand is, and it's not one of his current squad…
Ben Smith
30 Jun 2025, 9:27