sevens-men
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.
1225 Articles
Damian McKenzie signs long-term deal with NZR
NZR has announced the re-signing of All Blacks first five-eighth Damian McKenzie on a four-year deal until the end of 2029.
Ben Smith
30 Mar 2025, 18:48
Opinion
Five reasons why Super Rugby Pacific is enjoying it's best season in forever
Credit where credit is due, here are the reasons why Super Rugby Pacific has got itself off the canvas and is heading in the right…
Ben Smith
19 Mar 2025, 23:33
Front row refresh for the Chiefs to face Moana Pasifika
The Chiefs have named a new front row combination for their clash against Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe, as Counties Manukau forward …
Ben Smith
18 Mar 2025, 23:45
Five changes for the Crusaders to play the Force
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has made five changes to his team to play the Western Force at home in Christchurch on Saturday af…
Ben Smith
11 Mar 2025, 23:52
Young gun midfielder named to start for the Blues against the Chiefs
The Blues have named an exciting line up for their trip to Hamilton to play the Chiefs with young gun midfielder Xavi Taele set to…
Ben Smith
11 Mar 2025, 23:30
Opinion
Crusaders vs Reds takes: Australia's version of Retallick, All Black bolter emerges
The Crusaders took control of the match in 6th minute with a try to Cullen Grace and never looked back. Here are four takes follow…
Ben Smith
09 Mar 2025, 0:25
'Can NZ sustain five teams?': Knives out on historic weekend for New Zealand Super teams
Round four of Super Rugby Pacific delivered a round of upsets with New Zealand Super Rugby teams on the wrong side of the ledger f…
Ben Smith
08 Mar 2025, 19:36
Blues confirm Beauden Barrett has broken hand
The Blues will lose playmaker Beauden Barrett for several weeks after scans revealed a fractured hand after the 21-2o loss to the …
Ben Smith
08 Mar 2025, 17:07
Beauden Barrett back in favoured No.10 jersey for Blues as back row rejigged
All Black superstar Beauden Barrett is back in the No.10 jersey for the Blues as they prepare to face the strength of the Brumbies…
Ben Smith
05 Mar 2025, 0:14
Ex-All Black reveals NRL star Kalyn Ponga linked with Super Rugby team
Former All Black first five-eighth Steven Donald has dropped a bombshell on The Aftermatch podcast revealing his sources say NRL s…
Ben Smith
04 Mar 2025, 16:31
Opinion
Hurricanes vs Blues takes: Canes' pack puffed out, Godfrey NZ's best 10
The Blues earned their first win of the season in Wellington on Saturday night, finding their way past the Hurricanes with a 69th-…
Ben Smith
02 Mar 2025, 2:34
'100 cap All Black': Leading midfield candidates putting pressure on Razor
Three weeks into Super Rugby Pacific and the race for the All Blacks midfield is heating up with new contenders pushing into conte…
Ben Smith
01 Mar 2025, 22:37
Ex-Crusader debuts, All Black star returns for the Chiefs
All Black hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho will make his much-awaited return to rugby from the bench this weekend when the Chiefs host t…
Ben Smith
25 Feb 2025, 22:13
New Hurricanes pivot Harry Godfrey turning into a gem
Thrown into the deep end due to an injury crisis, new Hurricanes starting first-five Harry Godfrey is paying dividends.
Ben Smith
22 Feb 2025, 17:40
Watch: Explosive young fullback arrives at Super Rugby level to tear apart Blues
Young Highlanders fullback Finn Hurley announced himself as a star of the future with a stunning two-try display against the Blues…
Ben Smith
22 Feb 2025, 15:44
Highlanders make back row reshuffle and name 6-2 bench for the Blues
The Highlanders have switched up their back row combinations and named a forward-heavy bench as they prepare to take on the Blues …
Ben Smith
18 Feb 2025, 22:54
Just one change for the Hurricanes to play the Fijian Drua in home opener
The Hurricanes have named their team to face the Fijian Drua as they prepare for their home opener after last week's round one los…
Ben Smith
18 Feb 2025, 22:23
Clayton McMillan's verdict on his former All Blacks Sevens star's debut
Three former All Blacks Sevens flyers lined up in new colours in round one of Super Rugby Pacific and each of them left a strong i…
Ben Smith
17 Feb 2025, 21:24
Louis Rees-Zammit is not coming back to rugby as he is handed NFL lifeline
NFL-hopeful and Welsh rugby superstar Louis Rees-Zammit has been handed an NFL lifeline, signing an active roster deal with the Ja…
Ben Smith
17 Feb 2025, 15:26
'He's our guy': Clayton McMillan confirms reasons behind McKenzie switch to fullback
Chiefs head coach has confirmed the reasons behind moving Damian McKenzie to fullback for last night's win over the Blues in Auckl…
Ben Smith
16 Feb 2025, 1:46
