Tag Archives: Ben Smith

Which players have been catching the All Black selectors' eye so far in the Super 15?

Now may be the the time land psychological blows for the Northern sides playing the All Blacks.

The All Black backs showed moments of brilliance against the Lions without ever fully igniting into the form of the previous two seasons. With Ben Smith’s decision to go on sabbatical, and Aaron Cruden’s departure for Europe, All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has a chance to experiment with combinations and positions with an eye on the 2019 World Cup. So, …

All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith is reportedly set to take up an option in his contract allowing him to take an extended sabbatical. The New Zealand Herald are alleging that the 31-year-old Highlanders back could miss up to eight test during the break, beginning next month. Smith was limited to a small role in the recent drawn Test series against …

As the dust settles after a titanic battle at Eden Park, leaving the series locked in a stalemate, we ask: which Lions and All Black players enhanced their reputations during the tough New Zealand tour? We take a look at the performances of the Test players on each side in the drawn series. ______ Lions Stock Rising: Jonathan Davies Deservedly …

After a pulsating first Test in which the All Blacks out-Warrenballed the Lions 30-15, will we see any changes in tactics employed by coaches Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen for the second Test in Wellington? Will Gatland drop his captain, Peter O’Mahony? How will the All Blacks approach the game tactically? Here are the five biggest questions which need answers …

The Lions gave a lot of razzle dazzle but couldn’t stop the All Black wave of physical domination to maintain their imposing winning streak at Eden Park. So which players stood out above the rest? 15 Liam Williams 8 Fairly quiet until scintillating 50 metres break out launched classic Lions counter-attacking try. Fizzing after that and looked a threat every …

With just a matter of days to go until the most anticipated Lions Test matches in history, the series is still impossible to predict. Many believe the Lions’ resolute defence and powerful forwards will prove more dominant than the All Blacks. On the other hand, many think the Lions simply cannot cope with the flair and all round skill set possessed …

The All Blacks’ first game of the season is traditionally one when the players shake off the rust and is usually characterised by unforced errors and misfiring combinations. Not at Eden Park. Not in 2017. So which players booked their places for the first test against the Lions in the 78-0 thrashing of Samoa? 15 Ben Smith 8.5 It gets …

After the Crusaders got suffocated by the Lions whose strategic play was a mix of roar and snore, could the same thing happen to the All Blacks? We select a test side of 23 players who will be tasked with cracking the Lions defensive code in the Tes series. Here is our All Blacks Test squad – and the threat …

How about those ‘Canes? Steve Hansen is obviously a fan of the lethal Hurricanes backline. No fewer than five players from the Windy City made Hansen’s All Blacks squad which boasts 1164 caps of experience but sprung a few surprises in naming two new players. So what what were the talking points as the All Blacks named his squad for …

The All Blacks seem to have lost the services of one of their key players: first choice hooker Dane Coles. Wellington Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree gave the media an update on Coles’ condition and the news was not good. Plumtree reported that Coles was still not free of the concussion symptoms which have sidelined him since March 18. Plumtree …

If Steve Hansen has any concerns about injury cover during what promises to be a bruising Lions series for the All Blacks, fullback will be one position in which his options are seemingly endless. As this article shows, Hansen has a potent mix of experience and youth to choose from for the venerated number 15 jersey. Ben Smith Ben Smith …

Steve Hansen has a lot to contemplate before he names his All Blacks squad to face the Lions in June. In the forward pack, he is facing an injury crisis, while in the backs he has a treasure chest of talent to choose from. Will he select conservatively and stay loyal to his experienced but more injury prone All Blacks …

With just 38 days until the Lions tour kicks off in New Zealand, the All Blacks should be nearing their peak in form and fitness. But, are they all fit? In this article, we take a look at the players from last year’s squad who could pull on a black jersey tomorrow and those who may be wrinkling the forehead …

The main difference between England and Scotland in this year’s Six Nations was not power but speed. Jonathan Joseph’s impeccable timing and blazing pace saw him blast through the Scottish backline seemingly at will. But would the Bath flier make a World Fastest XV? 15  Israel Dagg  (New Zealand) A very tough one to pick but the way Israel Dagg …

New Zealand vice-captain and fullback Ben Smith has bucked the trend of big name players leaving the southern hemisphere for lucrative deals in France’s Top 14, by committing his future to the world champions until 2020. Speculation over Smith’s future has been rife for weeks now and with All Blacks out-half Aaron Cruden choosing money over country with a big …