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Latest FromGregor Paul

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson, Samuel Whitelock of the Crusaders and All Blacks head coach. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks, franchises on collision course

11 Aug, 2018 7:00pm
6 minutes to read

New Zealand's rugby system is not perfect with conflict brewing between club and country.

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Rieko Ioane to keep winging it for the All Blacks

11 Aug, 2018 3:45pm
4 minutes to read

Rieko Ioane keeps popping up at centre but he's unlikely to play there for the All Blacks.

North Harbour Stadium is one of the proposed venues in New Zealand s bid for the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

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Revealed: NZ's bid to host Women's Rugby World Cup

11 Aug, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Formal bid lodged with World Rugby to host the next edition of the Women's World Cup.

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Sam Whitelock: Modern athlete old school player

10 Aug, 2018 7:00pm
5 minutes to read

Sam Whitelock was never formally announced as an All Black but will win his 100th cap.

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Why Beauden Barrett is the only choice

9 Aug, 2018 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: the All Blacks would be stark raving mad if they dropped Beauden Barrett.

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Last kick in teeth for greatest All Black who never was

8 Aug, 2018 2:30pm
5 minutes to read

Trapped by two minutes: Toni Pulu and Isa Nacewa example of glaring double standards.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said that he felt Fifita was the best natural athlete with whom he'd ever worked. Photo / Getty Images

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Dropped: Unluckiest All Black is a victim of circumstance

7 Aug, 2018 2:21pm
4 minutes to read

Vaea Fifita needs to forget about playing lock and instead focus on blindside.

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All Blacks ponder few changes

4 Aug, 2018 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks are unlikely to make many changes to their Rugby Championship squad.

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The Imitation Game: Wallabies morphing into All Blacks

4 Aug, 2018 10:35am
4 minutes to read

The Wallabies are slowly morphing into the All Blacks in their desperation to win.

Being patient worked with Kieran Read 10 years ago and could do again with Richie Mo'unga. Photo / Getty

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Why Hansen is advocating patience with Mo'unga

3 Aug, 2018 1:03pm
4 minutes to read

Being patient worked with Kieran Read 10 years ago and could do again with Richie Mo'unga.

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Time to get rid of rugby's national disgrace (and no, it's not the Blues)

2 Aug, 2018 5:35pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Super Rugby's most compelling team still play in front of empty seats.

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Watch out: ABs to unleash ultimate team

1 Aug, 2018 6:51pm
4 minutes to read

The return of Kieran Read, Dane Coles and Brodie Retallick will transform the All Blacks.

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Unstoppable Crusaders charge into final v Lions

28 Jul, 2018 9:28pm
4 minutes to read

The Crusaders might as well be crowned champions now.

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How to fix the Blues

28 Jul, 2018 4:00pm
6 minutes to read

The Blues were once again awful in 2018 so how can they fix things for next year?

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All Blacks braced for player exodus

27 Jul, 2018 6:20pm
4 minutes to read

New Zealand could soon see a number of players commit to play for other nations.

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Meet the next, next All Blacks coach

26 Jul, 2018 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

Scott Robertson has established his All Blacks credentials by dropping Wyatt Crockett.

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The start of the big Blues comeback

26 Jul, 2018 2:48pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: The signing of All Blacks prop could signal change for the struggling club.

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Deadly Canes surprise that could sink Crusaders

25 Jul, 2018 3:45pm
4 minutes to read

There are heaps of reasons why the Hurricanes won't win. Here's one reason they will.

Fans. Day 2, HSBC New Zealand Rugby Sevens, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand. Sunday, 4 February, 2018. Copyright photo: John Cowpland / www.photosport.nz

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NZ Rugby's radical sevens plan revealed

24 Jul, 2018 2:07pm
4 minutes to read

New Zealand Rugby is planning to host the Hamilton Sevens in Fiji every other year.

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Clinical Crusaders too good for Sharks

21 Jul, 2018 9:18pm
4 minutes to read

The Crusaders got the job done against the Sharks to set up a semi against the Hurricanes.

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Comment: Damian McKenzie needs restraining order

21 Jul, 2018 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Damian McKenzie needs to show some patience and variation in his game, writes Gregor Paul.

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Why Rieko Ioane may shun longer deal

21 Jul, 2018 11:09am
4 minutes to read

Rieko Ioane is struggling to agree terms over a long deal and may commit for 12 months.

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Big Read: What's changed since NZ rugby's darkest day?

20 Jul, 2018 6:30pm
6 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: It's been two years since the Chiefs scandal yet all is still not well.

Ma'a Nonu during his first stint with the Blues. Photo / Getty

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Why Ma'a Nonu to the Blues could happen

19 Jul, 2018 5:08pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Even at 37, the former All Blacks star could be just what the Blues need.

Jordie Barrett of the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty

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Why Barrett snubbed longer Canes deal

18 Jul, 2018 1:55pm
4 minutes to read

Jordie Barrett has a long term plan to stay in NZ despite signing a one year deal.

All Blacks rugby player Ardie Savea. New Zealand Herald Photograph by Nick Reed.

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All Black opens door to foreign suitors

17 Jul, 2018 4:39pm
4 minutes to read

Ardie Savea has only signed a one-year extension leaving himself open to offshore offers.

Contests in the air, such as that involving French fullback Benjamin Fall and Beauden Barrett, have become one of the most contentious areas in world rugby. Photo / Photosport

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Seeing red: Rugby set for shake-up

15 Jul, 2018 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Coaches are hopeful there will be agreement reached to disempower the role of the TMO.

Kayne Hammington of the Highlanders celebrates his try with team-mates Thomas Umaga-Jensen (L), James Lentjes and Teihorangi Walden. Photo / Getty

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Highlanders edge Rebels in thriller

14 Jul, 2018 7:10pm
4 minutes to read

The Highlanders showed that they are a serious contender in the play-offs.

Hurricanes' Wes Goosen is tackled by Chiefs Johnny Fa'auli. Photo / Getty

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The compelling chaos killing rugby

14 Jul, 2018 4:30pm
4 minutes to read

The chaos produced by local derbies in Super Rugby could be killing the game.

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What the All Blacks should learn from the Welsh

13 Jul, 2018 6:27pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks could be making a big mistake by not appointing their next coach now.

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The unhealthy obsession with NZ rugby

12 Jul, 2018 4:16pm
4 minutes to read

The Welsh compulsion to appoint Kiwis to their top coaching jobs is inviting trouble.

The Sunwolves appeared to have been given Super Rugby entry in 2017 based exclusively on their potential economic offering. Photo / Getty

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Revealed: Sanzaar's latest Super Rugby shocker

11 Jul, 2018 5:41pm
4 minutes to read

Players and fans need Super Rugby executives to make meaningful change quickly.

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Chiefs prepared to lose battle to win war

10 Jul, 2018 2:46pm
4 minutes to read

The Chiefs might be prepared to lose this week to give themselves a better chance next.

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Form second-five might miss Cup

8 Jul, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

There's a false reality within the over-resourced All Blacks.

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Laumape to the four as Canes snap streak

7 Jul, 2018 9:18pm
4 minutes to read

The Hurricanes beat the Blues thanks largely to Ngani Laumape who scored four tries.

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How the Crusaders are building a new dynasty

7 Jul, 2018 12:20pm
4 minutes to read

The Crusaders are building a team that could keep winning for years.

Kieran Read of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images.

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The ABs' toughest man: Read's heroic journey back to fitness

5 Jul, 2018 12:28pm
4 minutes to read

Making it back to Super Rugby after being bed ridden shows just how tough Kieran Read is.

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The biggest killer for the Blues' reputation

4 Jul, 2018 3:07pm
4 minutes to read

The message to the franchise's stars seems simple: leave Auckland or see your career die.

Sonny Bill Williams of the Blues gives instructions during the round 12 Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty images.

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The Blues dream team that will never be

3 Jul, 2018 3:10pm
4 minutes to read

There is a an alternative universe where a vastly different Blues team is winning games.

Shannon Frizell looks a top prospect to take over from Kieran Read at No 8. Photo / Brett Phibbs

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Shannon Frizell could be eighth wonder

1 Jul, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

With an abundance of emerging blindsides, Shannon Frizell could be converted to No 8.

Sean Wainui of the Chiefs scores against the Highlanders. Photo / Getty

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Chiefs crush Highlanders after magical first half

30 Jun, 2018 9:26pm
4 minutes to read

It was a classic game, but it didn't play out the way anyone expected.

British and Irish Lions' Sam Warburton and New Zealand's Kieran Read lift the Series Trophy after the series is drawn. Photo / Getty

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Why the All Blacks really won the Lions series

30 Jun, 2018 4:40pm
4 minutes to read

The series was drawn but the All Blacks won plenty from the British Lions tour.

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Super Rugby heads for early revamp with Pacific twist

30 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Super Rugby could return to a round-robin format with a new team from Fiji included.

NZ Rugby feels the need to have a major review now is largely down to three factors. Photo / 123RF

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Answers needed on rugby at school

30 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

There are three key drives behind NZR's desire to have a major review of schools rugby.

Jackson Hemopo on debut for the All Blacks. Photo / Getty

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Are there any All Blacks wildcards left?

27 Jun, 2018 2:00pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have picked so many players, they may have no wildcards left.

All Blacks midfield backs Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill and Ngani Laumape at All Blacks training session at University Oval in Dunedin. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

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All Blacks casualty ward on red alert

26 Jun, 2018 3:17pm
5 minutes to read

The All Blacks are fearful they could be hit by yet more injuries in the next six weeks.

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Gregor Paul: Why test rugby could be in danger

25 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Confusion reigned supreme this June and good rugby has been lost in the endless debate.

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All Blacks: The big names who could get squeezed out

24 Jun, 2018 7:30pm
3 minutes to read

There will be a bit of musical chairs for the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby Championship.

(L-R) Jackson Hemopo, Matt Todd, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read and Codie Taylor of the All Blacks pose with the Gallaher Trophy. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks show signs of true potential

23 Jun, 2018 10:31pm
4 minutes to read

On the personnel front, they saw a players give evidence they can be long term All Blacks.

Rieko Ioane of the All Blacks runs in to score. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks blow France away in second half

23 Jun, 2018 9:20pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks took their selection risk and they will feel they got their reward.

Jack Goodhue s ability to put team-mates into gaps is admired by Steve Hansen. Photo / Brett Phibbs

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The All Blacks' Jack of all trades

23 Jun, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

There's an impatience about Jack Goodhue that the All Blacks have noted and enjoyed.

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Julian Savea's departure deepens appreciation of Doug Howlett

22 Jun, 2018 9:30am
5 minutes to read

Julian Savea's departure for France shows how good Doug Howlett's try scoring record is.

Damian McKenzie has been given the chance to guide the All Blacks around the park in Dunedin and atone for mistakes in Wellington. Photo / Brett Phibbs

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Rugby: Dmac, Mo'unga put tension aside for the greater good

22 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Latest pair able to check their ego at the door is Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo'unga.

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Mo'unga v McKenzie: Intense battle brewing

21 Jun, 2018 7:52pm
4 minutes to read

Richie Mo'unga and Damian McKenzie will spend all year in competition with each other.

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Hansen's biggest risk yet: Four test debutants named in All Blacks side

21 Jun, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

The All Blacks team would have to be considered the highest risk Steve Hansen has picked.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen with Gilbert Enoka and Ian Foster at All Blacks training session at University Oval in Dunedin. Photo / Brett Phibbs

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Long list of factors influencing ABs line-up

20 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall during ABs' selection meeting for this third test.

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Foster: Rugby still needs a way of punishing real offenders

19 Jun, 2018 2:51pm
4 minutes to read

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says rugby needs a way of punishing real offenders.

First-five Richie Mo'unga at the All Blacks media session at the Heritage Hotel, Auckland. 21 May 2018 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Jason Oxenham.

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All Blacks: Door to No 10 open for Mo'unga

18 Jun, 2018 3:05pm
3 minutes to read

The tactical failings by the All Blacks may have opened the door for Richie Mo'unga.

Kieran Read of the All Blacks looks on during the Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South African Springboks. Photo / Getty Images.

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Paul: All Blacks need Kieran Read back

18 Jun, 2018 10:36am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have missed Kieran Read this series more than they imagined.

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All Blacks given breakdown warning

17 Jun, 2018 6:00pm
3 minutes to read

The All Blacks and Australia were given a lesson this weekend.

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Injuries force ABs to spin selection wheel

17 Jun, 2018 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

Injury has once again hit the All Blacks hard and left them short of choice.

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Hansen calls for rule change after red card 'shame'

17 Jun, 2018 9:06am
4 minutes to read

The ABs produced a "flush the dunny" performance with few redeeming features.