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Gregor Paul: The invisible force that could make or break the All Blacks

12 Jul, 2019 3:00pm
7 minutes to read

The Cricket World Cup has served a powerful reminder about knock-out sporting contests.

Sam Whitelock, Crusaders captain. Crusaders vs. Blues. 2019 Investec Super Rugby. Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo: Photosport.co.nz

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Gregor Paul: Super Rugby's torturous road back to commercial viability

6 Jul, 2019 1:06pm
4 minutes to read

Super Rugby will survive but the road back to commercial viability looks torturous.

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Gregor Paul: Liam Squire and the All Blacks' number one rule

5 Jul, 2019 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

Forget scrummaging prowess and all-round ball skills, here's NZ's big World Cup weapon.

No other World Cup squad will have the confidence in their players that the All Blacks will. Photo / Getty

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Gregor Paul: The All Blacks selection issue everyone's missing

2 Jul, 2019 7:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Think the selectors got it wrong ahead of the Cup? Here's 23 reasons they didn't.

All Blacks Liam Coltman, Shannon Frizell and Waisake Naholo during the national anthem, during the third rugby test match between the All Blacks and France, 2018. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

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Gregor Paul: What to expect from All Blacks' squad-naming

29 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: How will Hansen and co see the marginal calls and how will they set the squad up?

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Gregor Paul: The simmering resentment ruining Blues rugby

28 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
7 minutes to read

Blues ask for review of current system after yet another failed Super Rugby campaign.

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Gregor Paul: The PR campaign killing world rugby

25 Jun, 2019 6:43pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: World Rugby can't seem to protect the Rugby World Cup from ridicule.

Beauden Barrett of the Hurricanes looks on during the round seven Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.

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Beauden Barrett's Auckland move

24 Jun, 2019 5:55pm
4 minutes to read

The world's best playmaker will relocate to Auckland after the World Cup.

Crusaders and All Blacks front rowers Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Codie Taylor. Photo / Getty

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Gregor Paul: How Crusaders offered a glimpse into ABs' World Cup strategy

22 Jun, 2019 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

It's not everyone's cup of tea but it's sure to sit high on the agenda for the All Blacks.

The scrapping of the proposed Nations Championship could have far-reaching consequences for New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks. Photo / Getty

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Revealed: The gaping $30 million hole in New Zealand Rugby

22 Jun, 2019 11:00am
7 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Steve Tew knows there aren't many magic tricks left for him to perform.

Akira Ioane could play his first test against Argentina next month. Photo / Getty

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Gregor Paul: The All Black pick that won't be universally popular

18 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Over the past four years, no one has tested the selectors' patience more than Akira Ioane.

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Gregor Paul: Is 2020 All Blacks coach receiving hospital pass?

15 Jun, 2019 11:45am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: There's a serious loss of experience, leadership and ability on ABs horizon.

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Gregor Paul: Why Blues move could break Beauden Barrett

14 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: It would be the greatest career risk an established All Black has ever made.

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Gregor Paul: The five players who will have to consider leaving the Crusaders

11 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Several players have found themselves a victim of the club's recruitment success.

New Zealand Rugby (NZRU) chief executive Steve Tew, in front of the trophy cabinet, after announcing he will stand down from the position. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Gregor Paul: New NZR boss has pressing business - and it's not the ABs

9 Jun, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Auckland was the nut Steve Tew couldn't crack. And he definitely tried.

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Gregor Paul: How Nonu became the hardest All Black to replace

8 Jun, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Nonu is the one member of the golden generation the All Blacks haven't managed to replace.

Outgoing NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew. Photo / Getty

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Hit or miss? Rating Steve Tew's 12 years in charge of NZ Rugby

5 Jun, 2019 5:30pm
7 minutes to read

Rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry run the rule over Steve Tew's reign.

Despite his stellar season with the Chiefs, Brad Weber could be overlooked as the All Blacks' third halfback - in favour of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. Photos / Getty, Photosport

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Gregor Paul: All Blacks risk sending terrible World Cup message

4 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Comment: One selection, more than any other, could leave All Blacks fans fuming.

The rugby sevens squads for the Rio Olympics. Photo / Jason Oxenham

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Gregor Paul: Olympics are not in sevens heaven

2 Jun, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: It must suck every fourth year being a male sevens player in this country.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson before the round 2 match of the 2019 Super Rugby season between the Reds v Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

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Gregor Paul: The overlooked secret to the Crusaders' success

28 May, 2019 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

The Crusaders have made themselves just about invincible in Christchurch, but how?

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Gregor Paul: Time running out for injured ABs? Don't be silly

25 May, 2019 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

There's still four months until the World Cup kicks off and that's an age in rugby terms.

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Gregor Paul: Guilty or not, naïve Crusaders let themselves down

24 May, 2019 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: There will be lingering disappointment about Bridge and Mo'unga's decisions.

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Gregor Paul: Tougher than McCaw? The All Blacks' genuine hard man

21 May, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Sam Cane should receive universal recognition for being a player with special qualities.

The All Blacks have regressed in an area they used to dominate. Photo / Getty

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How the All Blacks' greatest strength is turning to their biggest weakness

18 May, 2019 10:00am
5 minutes to read

Comment: When was the last time the All Blacks scrum was under any kind of pressure?

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Gregor Paul: Pushy parents to blame for school rugby mess

18 May, 2019 6:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: In the last decade, pushy parents have hijacked the entire rugby system.

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False promise: The problem with a Blues side built on illusion

11 May, 2019 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: The Blues are writing out the same story of under-performance this season.

Richie Mo'unga of the All Blacks talks to the backs during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Argentina last year. Photo / Getty Images.

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Gregor Paul: The worrying talent gap the All Blacks can't ignore

10 May, 2019 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The gap between Barrett and Mo'unga and every other No 10 looks enormous.

England will look to dethrone the All Blacks at the World Cup in Japan. Photo / Getty

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Gregor Paul: Northern teams bringing knife to Rugby World Cup gun fight

7 May, 2019 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

Six Nations squads will come to Japan believing they can bludgeon their way to success.

The big name players in New Zealand have long held the power. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks' big compromise: The real story behind Whitelock's contract

4 May, 2019 5:00pm
5 minutes to read

Some view it as a lopsided landscape, but the top players have always been in charge.

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Gregor Paul: The All Blacks' big World Cup risk

4 May, 2019 5:30am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Anxious All Blacks fan base will need to live with bigger picture of build-up.

The All Blacks take on South Africa in their opening World Cup match in Japan. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks' World Cup payday: $1 million for four days' work

1 May, 2019 5:05am
4 minutes to read

ABs for hire: When a Japanese city offered big money to arrive early, it was a no-brainer.

Allowing Colin Cooper a third season in charge of the Chiefs would be unforgivable. Photo / Getty

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Gregor Paul: Chiefs took the safe option. Now they're paying for it.

30 Apr, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Allowing Colin Cooper to stay on as head coach next season would be unforgivable.

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Gregor Paul: How religion is poisoning NZ Rugby

27 Apr, 2019 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Why it's time for NZ Rugby to quit the Crusaders name cold turkey.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and All Blacks coach Graham Henry front the media at a press conference after the 2007 World Cup. Photo / Getty Images.

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Gregor Paul: The smartest move the All Blacks made in 12 years

26 Apr, 2019 12:44pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: It's not often one single decision can have such a profound impact on history.

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Gregor Paul: Let's get real about the Nonu fairytale

23 Apr, 2019 2:00pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: Are people seeing things in Ma'a Nonu that they want to see?

What McKenzie's injury may have done is simplify the thinking and persuaded the All Blacks that to create two distinct back threes. Photo / Getty Images

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Paul: The surprise weakness that will have the All Blacks concerned

21 Apr, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The injury loss of McKenzie has put the spotlight on the All Blacks' back three.

Michael Cheika watches on as Israel Folau speaks to the media. Photo / Getty

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Intolerable pressure: Toxic Folau saga could save Wallabies

19 Apr, 2019 2:00pm
6 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Disgraced superstar could yet save his career but there will be no winners.

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The calculated risk the All Blacks could deploy at World Cup

16 Apr, 2019 9:56am
5 minutes to read

Damian McKenzie's injury has left the All Blacks selectors which a possible risky call.

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Gregor Paul: The X-Factor who could be the ABs' secret World Cup weapon

14 Apr, 2019 6:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The All Blacks don't need duplication in their World Cup squad.

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Gregor Paul: Rejection a powerful tool for All Blacks

13 Apr, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The All Blacks will soon be laying the foundations for the 2023 RWC squad.

All Blacks winger Ben Smith in action against Australia, during the second Bledisloe Cup rugby test match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

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'More valuable than Carter in 2011': The All Blacks' 'real' MVP

9 Apr, 2019 7:34pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: If Ben Smith is forced out, it will be the biggest blow, writes Gregor Paul.

All Blacks rugby player Ardie Savea. Photo / Nick Reed.

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'He's become McCaw-like': The All Blacks' 'good' problem

6 Apr, 2019 1:38pm
5 minutes to read

Savea's gone from a generic, highly-skilled footballer to a focused, brilliant No 7.

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$2.4m for 13 months' work: All Black's dream gig up in smoke

5 Apr, 2019 5:45pm
6 minutes to read

Once-in-a-lifetime scenario unlikely to eventuate for leading All Blacks.

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'Fundamental problems': World Cup questions the ABs haven't answered

2 Apr, 2019 11:57am
5 minutes to read

The All Blacks' build up to 2019 is shaping somewhat differently to past World Cups.

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Ruggernomics: The villains behind World Rugby's bleak future

30 Mar, 2019 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: The future for the Island nations looks almost bleaker than it ever has.

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Gregor Paul: Why world's best coaches are walking away from ABs

29 Mar, 2019 11:39am
6 minutes to read

Comment: NZR may regret moving slowly after Hansen confirmed he was stepping down.

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Gregor Paul: The difficult questions rugby parents need to ask themselves

26 Mar, 2019 2:07pm
5 minutes to read

There is now some prospect of the 1A returning to the ethos that made it once so great.

Waisake Naholo of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images.

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Dazed and confused: What's gone wrong with All Blacks winger?

23 Mar, 2019 11:32am
5 minutes to read

It's looking like it might take another miracle to get Naholo to World Cup.

Amanaki Mafi of the Sunwolves. Photo / Getty Images

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Gregor Paul: Sanzaar's genius move that will save Super Rugby

23 Mar, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Sanzaar has come up with a near faultless vision for Southern Hemisphere rugby.

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw showed that on the world stage, experience is everything. Photo / Getty Images

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Gregor Paul: Spark is Sopoaga, Sky is Carter

19 Mar, 2019 6:50pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: There is every reason to sit on the fence about the coverage of the World Cup.

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What the ABs saw: How Six Nations exposed England's biggest flaw

19 Mar, 2019 3:30pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: It took the All Blacks eight years to overcome it. England have a long way to go.

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New Zealand rugby's big victory: Retaining Aaron Smith

16 Mar, 2019 12:59pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: Once one of NZ's most disgraced All Blacks, Aaron Smith is on the comeback.

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Axe must swing: Change of regime needed to fix NZ losers

12 Mar, 2019 6:13pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Giving Cooper another season is not the right thing to do.

Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks looks dejected following the International Friendly match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

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Gregor Paul: The one thing that should be bothering All Blacks fans

9 Mar, 2019 11:52am
5 minutes to read

Comment: It seems that NZ players have lost the art of finding space on the field.

Sonny Bill Williams of Blues (C) and teammates react after their defeat during a a Super Rugby Rd 3 match between Jaguares and Blues. Photo / Getty Images.

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Gregor Paul: How Kieran Read's exit explains Blues mess

9 Mar, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: A lack of leadership is the single greatest failing the Blues can't fix.

General views of Eden Park during The Rugby Championship game between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australia Wallabies at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images.

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'Truth spinning': World Rugby caught red-handed, don't be deceived

5 Mar, 2019 7:04pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: World Rugby have been caught red-handed with their fingers in the till.

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Paul: Why Wales' World Cup claims are being ignored

2 Mar, 2019 4:17pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: There's a reason people are quick to dismiss Wales' Rugby World Cup hopes.

Referee Jaco Peyper during the opening match, of Pool A match between Fiji and England held at Twickenham Stadium, at the Rugby World Cup 2015. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

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World rugby's dark conspiracy exposed

2 Mar, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

This could be dismissed as conspiratorial nonsense if not for the extraordinary evidence.

The All Blacks will now travel more and play five big tests in five weeks - after a packed schedule. Photo / Getty

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Gregor Paul: Shameless rugby bosses have just killed the game

28 Feb, 2019 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

Comment: Player welfare is paramount - unless there's a better offer on the table.

The All Blacks are guaranteed a minimu of 13 tests from next year. Photo / Getty

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Exclusive: All Blacks, World Rugby set for biggest change in modern history

28 Feb, 2019 1:14pm
4 minutes to read

More travel, more money, more tests. World rugby - and the ABs - set for big changes.

New Zealand All Black Flanker Liam Squire heads for the try line against the Wallabies in 2018. Photo / Greg Bowker.

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'Wilted in battle': All Blacks no longer convinced by hardman

26 Feb, 2019 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

Hansen says selectors have big decisions to make this year and there may be one shock.

New Zealand's Head Coach Steve Hansen. Photo / Getty Images.

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'Madness': All Blacks' 'trust' broken, sanctions required

23 Feb, 2019 10:51am
5 minutes to read

Super Rugby coaches want to help the All Blacks, but they want to win more.