There are a very few players in the game of union that you would put ahead of Ben Smith in a list of who reigns supreme in the current rugby context. In the wake of the 2015 Rugby World in which many expected a transitional period for the All Blacks what with the passing of rugby greats Richie McCaw and …
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The conclusion of the 2015 World Cup marked a watershed moment for rugby. Within a few short weeks of the tournament coming to a close, legends such as Richie McCaw, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Paul O’Connell, Jean de Villiers and Victor Matfield all left the international stage. In their place, a number of players are leading the charge to become rugby’s …
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Following New Zealand’s series whitewash over Wales, Kaal Kaczmarek looks at whose stocks have either risen, fallen or stayed as they are within the All Blacks squad. ______ Stocks up Beauden Barrett was the undoubted star of the series. His fizzing pace and skills turned the first Test, guided the second and controlled the third. He grew more assured with …
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Following the conclusion of last years Rugby World Cup in which the might of the All Blacks once again stamped it’s authority on world rugby as the predominant playing force in the game by securing its second successive William Webb Ellis trophy, a void was somewhat left with the international retirement of some of the games leading stalwarts including the …
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Steve Hansen and his All Blacks selectors already have an embarrassment of riches to chose from in the 2016 season. However, even more gems are likely be refined by the time the squad for Japan 2019 is announced. We take a look in the All Blacks’ crystal ball and uncover a potential team of devastating skill, power and pace. 15. Israel …
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There has been speculation about who will follow in Dan Carter’s footsteps as All Black first five eight for a while now. And with the Super Rugby competition heating up, that speculation ramps up too. The names of Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden have been out there for a while. The name that was added to the list is Lima Sopoaga. One …
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New Zealand will be without a number of World Cup winners this summer. As New Zealand celebrated their World Cup success in Twickenham last Autumn, the rest of the rugby world clung to the hope that the multitude of retirements the All Blacks were about to suffer would make them vulnerable. Few sides could compete on the international stage if …
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Ozer McMahon picks the World rugby XV of 2015…. As 2015 creeps to an end, there is plenty for rugby fans to reflect upon with fondness in the year that was. New Zealand lost their Rugby Championship crown to Australia, but became the first team to retain the World Cup, while Kiwi franchise the Highlanders won a first ever Super …
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With plenty of talk surrounding the British and Irish Lions squad for 2017, Simon van Ryn will have a crack at naming the possible All Blacks 23 to defend their shores. _____ Notable Inclusions Reggie Goodes: Two years is a long time in Rugby and this writer believes Reggie Goodes will make a huge statement in N.Z. rugby over the …
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The Crusaders have made no room for Richie McCaw in their squad for 2016, which will squash any rumours of him playing any longer than 2015 in New Zealand. 33 New Zealand-based players make their debuts and a total of 195 players have been confirmed as contracted members of one of the five New Zealand Super Rugby teams, which includes 46 …
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2015 will go down as perhaps the greatest Rugby World Cup to date, with thrills, spills, and plenty of upsets throughout the month in England. As we look back at the tournament, the debate as to whom performed the best is raging, so naturally we compiled our team of the World Cup, taking every game into account with equal weighting. As …
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The stage is set. Twickenham will host the Rugby World Cup Final on Saturday evening, with Australia taking on champions New Zealand to decide who will capture the William Webb Ellis Trophy. Here at Pundit Arena HQ, we can’t wait. It’s just 145 hours and two minutes until kick-off, but who’s counting? As part of our build-up, we have decided to take a …
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After a tough opening win against Argentina the All Blacks will now focus all their energy on Namibia, regarded as one of the minnows of this World Cup. Namibia have a couple of excellent players. Their skipper Jacques Berger is a regular starter for England club champions Saracens and would be a dead cert pick in almost every World Cup team. …
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Steve Hansen has named his side to tackle Argentina at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. With 1200 tests in the starting XV the All Blacks head into the match as firm favourites. The rapid rise of Nehe Milner-Skudder sees the star outside back take his place on the right wing, forming a lethal combination with Julian Savea and Ben Smith. Milner-Skudder …
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The All Blacks have landed in England saddled with the expectation of finally securing that elusive overseas World Cup title. In the first of a two-part series analysing the chances of the World Cup holders, Simon van Ryn provides us with five reasons why the All Blacks will retain their status as champions. 1. Motivation The All Blacks have a host of stars …
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This week’s rankings turn to scrum-half. With some tight calls, it is likely to cause some debate. As ever, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, or on our Facebook page. _____ 10. Tawera Kerr Barlow The Kiwi 9 is recovering from serious injury, but is very much in the mix to make it back for the …
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They strolled in to the semi-finals of Super Rugby in some fashion and we’re loving all of those small moments that are still coming out from the match that show the Highlanders attacking prowess over the Chiefs. Absolutely terrible play by the Chiefs winger, lets call it how it is. But nonetheless the Highlanders scrum well and truly had …
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Currently sitting in the wild card spots, the Highlanders have a lot to sing about. Cue Joe Wheeler, Nasi Manu, Aaron Smith and Ben Smith in a car, getting their jam on. This video has it all really. Joe Wheeler leads the pack with a playlist that looks to get the best out of each of his passengers. Hitting Nasi …
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