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Ben Smith 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.

ANALYSIS
Ben Smith

How Mack Hansen outclassed Duhan van der Merwe in Edinburgh

Duhan van der Merwe will long remember Mack Hansen after their Edinburgh showdown.

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Ben Smith

Rieko Ioane and the art of fixing the defender

The All Blacks are not yet getting the most out of Rieko Ioane in the midfield.

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Ben Smith

Ireland have the world's best attack with Johnny Sexton at No 10

If you enjoy beautiful rugby, Ireland are the team to watch - especially with Johnny Sexton at the helm.

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Ben Smith

Unlocking Marcus Smith's game in the Six Nations

England have one of the best attacking players in the Six Nations at their disposal.

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Ben Smith

Getting the most out of Rieko Ioane as a strike weapon at centre

At 24 years-old, there is so much untapped potential left and if they get things right, he can dominate the international rugby st…

ANALYSIS
Ben Smith

The glaring issues with the All Blacks' static attack

The All Blacks have some glaring issues on attack which need fixing.

ANALYSIS
Ben Smith

Wales' strategy that proved fatal against the All Blacks

Wales finished with a dominant tackle percentage of just two percent in the game, as well as 28 missed attempts as their defence s…

ANALYSIS
Ben Smith

How Quade Cooper adapted to the Wallabies' weekly opposition

The 33-year-old playmaker has played his role perfectly to provide stability, control and sound decision-making to Australia's att…

ANALYSIS
Ben Smith

The All Blacks' same option-based attack plans didn't work that well

In tight test matches where counter-attacking opportunities dry up, the All Blacks will need to have a clinical set-piece attackin…

ANALYSIS
Ben Smith

When you need him the most, Ardie Savea will be there

Even in losing sides, Ardie Savea always remains one of the best players on the park.

Ben Smith

The unsung hero spearheading the Wallabies' defence

Analysis: The Wallabies have uncovered an exceptional prospect in the midfield.

Ben Smith

Wallabies left more points on the park than Springboks

Analysis: The Springboks missed key points off the tee but the Wallabies also missed chances in their match.

Ben Smith

Noah Lolesio making huge strides for the Wallabies

Analysis: 21-year-old flyhalf Noah Lolesio is developing into a fine talent for the Wallabies.

Ben Smith

The intangible difference between the All Blacks and Wallabies

Analysis: The major difference between the All Blacks and Wallabies isn't skill - it's commitment.

Ben Smith

A deeper look at the Springboks shows red flags

The Series winners showed resolve to narrowly best the Lions but improvements will be needed for The Rugby Championship

Ben Smith

The Lions' Biggar gambit paved the way

The Lions fly-half was instrumental in orchestrating the second-half comeback to defeat the Springboks

Ben Smith

Building the All Blacks around Richie Mo'unga's Crusaders

Analysis: The All Blacks are building their attack around the in-form Richie Mo'unga.

Ben Smith

David Havili gives the All Blacks a new edge at 12

Analysis: The All Blacks relied on the full bag of tricks of their new second five in their win over Fiji.

Ben Smith

The Lions reprise the 10-12 axis

Two games in, Warren Gatland and his coaches are already showing varied gameplans to keep the Springboks guessing

Ben Smith

What we learnt from the Lions v Japan

Two key injuries aside, it was a useful hit out for Warren Gatland's tourists but stiffer tests await

Ben Smith

Breaking the Springboks defensive line

The defensive system adopted by South Africa in Japan was impregnable, so how do the Lions unlock it?

Ben Smith

Evolution of Hogg

Scotland full-back is ready to step up from nearly-man to key figure for the Lions

Ben Smith

Master of his craft

Over the last 24 months, French scrum-half Antoine Dupont has become, arguably, the world's best player

Ben Smith

Push the pass

The All Blacks' offloading game has faded dramatically since Wayne Smith left the coaching fold.

Ben Smith

Attacking the underbelly

Modern defences have forced an attacking re-think and the Hurricanes have a new trick up their sleeve.

Ben Smith

Striving for perfection

England's attack has been a work-in-progress since the heroics of 2019, so can they re-find their mojo?

Ben Smith

Missing ingredient

Scotland have the players to cause plenty of damage but their rigid game plan is hampering their attack.

Ben Smith

Redpath to success

Scotland's seemingly hopeless search for a permanent midfield fixture may finally be over.

Ben Smith

Ferocious Pumas

Right from the third minute of Argentina's win over New Zealand, the Pumas' intent was clear.

Ben Smith

Hard truths

The All Blacks’ dominance is slipping away and the NZ youth may not be ready for the challenge ahead.

Ben Smith

Defensive horror show

After two relatively safe showings, the Wallabies' defence fell apart in Sydney. What went wrong?

Ben Smith

Power transition

The All Blacks changed tack and used their ball carriers to overwhelm the Wallabies in Bledisloe II.

Ben Smith

Same old All Blacks

Despite a new head coach, not much has changed for the All Blacks, tactically speaking.

Ben Smith

The Springboks pattern

Will the Springboks change up their tactics from the World Cup when the Lions come to SA?

Ben Smith

Aerial battle

Why Gatland’s tactics for South Africa are ready-made for a Lions series win

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