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Latest FromGregor Paul

What we have seen in the last few years is a professionalisation of schoolboy rugby in Auckland. Photo / File

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Paul: How school rugby became a horrible mess

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

COMMENT: Schools rugby should be the purest form of the game.

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Revealed: The power struggle crippling schoolboy rugby

7 Dec, 2018 6:03pm
3 minutes to read

Deep distrust and increasing frustration as standoff intensifies amid poaching scandal.

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Targeted, deliberate, cynical: How St Kents pushed things too far

5 Dec, 2018 6:30pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: A brazen recruitment so lacking in ethics and morals can't be tolerated.

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NZ Rugby's secret letter: Major twist in St Kents controversy

5 Dec, 2018 4:26pm
5 minutes to read

NZ Rugby caught up in school poaching saga after extraordinary claim from St Kents boss.

St Kentigern College has been excluded from next year's Auckland 1A First XV competition. Photo / Getty

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Poaching scandal: Elite school kicked out of rugby comp

5 Dec, 2018 11:06am
7 minutes to read

Exclusive: Auckland schools refuse to play St Kentigern over 'brazen' recruitment.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read is one of the players with a point to prove ahead of the World Cup. Photo / Getty

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How the All Blacks could win the World Cup by February

4 Dec, 2018 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The next 10 weeks will be crucial to the All Blacks' success in Japan next year.

Ireland players embrace after the rugby union international between Ireland and the All Blacks. Ireland won the match 16-9. Photo / AP

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Comment: Why Ireland loss means nothing for World Cup

2 Dec, 2018 2:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The World Cup is what everyone is really fretting about in the wake of ABs' loss.

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The hidden demands that could force Hansen to quit ABs

1 Dec, 2018 5:15pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The all-consuming quality of the head coach job is tolerable, but not forever.

Don't try telling any Irish fans their recent win over the All Blacks was meaningless. Photo / NZ Herald

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Gregor Paul: Rugby has no need for contrived cups

28 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Are the executives making these plans remotely worthy of being trusted?

Jordie Barrett celebrates with Rieko Ioane. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks win must be treated with caution

25 Nov, 2018 7:42am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: A big win against Italy scarcely deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.

Beauden Barrett of New Zealand scores a try during the international friendly match between Italy and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

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Unstoppable: All Blacks bounce back in style

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

When the ABs find a way to generate momentum and space, they are just about unstoppable.

Kieran Read leads the All Blacks onto the field at Lansdowne Road Stadium ahead of the Ireland test. Photo / Getty

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Read: Social media may bring down young ABs

24 Nov, 2018 5:00am
9 minutes to read

Exclusive: All Blacks captain opens up on criticism, social media and that dropped goal.

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Dumped All Black's shot at redemption

22 Nov, 2018 8:00pm
5 minutes to read

A year that has wobbled a bit for Jordie Barrett could finish on a more optimistic note.

Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Photo / Getty

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World Cup woes: Are ABs in more trouble than class of 2014?

21 Nov, 2018 6:15pm
4 minutes to read

A loss to the Springboks, narrow win over England at Twickenham. And then there's 2018.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read has been targeted after the loss to Ireland. Photo / Getty

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'Supremely arrogant': ABs fans can't blame Read's age

21 Nov, 2018 12:00pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Throwing All Blacks skipper to the wolves after a test loss is, well, Kiwi as...

Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks looks dejected following the defeat to Ireland. Photo /Getty

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How long can All Blacks let Ireland loss simmer?

21 Nov, 2018 6:52am
4 minutes to read

It's forever been the ABs way to make a response to defeat no matter who is next in line.

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Thanks Cheika: Why the Wallabies can be blamed for ABs failure

20 Nov, 2018 7:00pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: The recent softness of the Rugby Championship is not helping the All Blacks.

All Blacks number 10 Beauden Barrett leaps up to make a catch in the test loss to Ireland. Photo / Getty

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Why it might be time for Beauden Barrett to play fullback

19 Nov, 2018 9:23am
6 minutes to read

The All Blacks face a balancing act in the backline. Is this the answer to fullback?

Jacob Stockdale of Ireland (C) celebrates with team mates Bundee Aki and Rory Best as he scores their first try.Photo / Getty Images.

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Unbreakable Irish claim world supremacy, what now for NZ?

18 Nov, 2018 9:30am
4 minutes to read

Ireland deserved the win and deserve to now be seen as world rugby's best team.

The All Blacks are constantly evolving. Photo / Getty Images

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Early Rugby World Cup exits catalyst for change

18 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

From the ashes of the Northern Hemisphere's disappointing World Cup, a phoenix has arisen.

Kieran Read of New Zealand leads the Haka during the Quilter International match between England and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

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Ugly, dirty, cynical: UK's obsession with All Blacks

16 Nov, 2018 11:45am
6 minutes to read

The All Blacks must feel a little like the Gruffalo whenever they venture North.

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Best No 9: Smith or Marshall? Why there's no debate

15 Nov, 2018 5:30pm
5 minutes to read

Aaron Smith will become the most experienced halfback in All Blacks history on Sunday.

Six years since his debut against Ireland, Beauden Barrett is almost unrecognisable as a player. Photo / Getty

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The message that turned Barrett from 'weak link' to world's best

14 Nov, 2018 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Six years since his debut against Ireland, Barrett is almost unrecognisable as a player.

Tadhg Furlong of Ireland is tackled during the 2016 defeat to the All Blacks. Photo /Getty

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The reason Ireland are bitter ahead of All Blacks clash

14 Nov, 2018 6:05am
5 minutes to read

There's clearly a bit of ill-feeling in Ireland about the last time they played the ABs.

Ireland great Brian O'Driscoll. Photo / Getty

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Flags of convenience: The Irish tactic harming world rugby

13 Nov, 2018 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Comment: Ireland's recruitment policy is cold, calculating and not in spirit of the game.

The All Blacks had a near defeat against England at Twickenham. Photo / Getty

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Steve Hansen's warning: What happens if Ireland beat All Blacks

12 Nov, 2018 3:31pm
5 minutes to read

Playing in front of 80,000 fans at Twickenham was big. This is bigger, says ABs coach.

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'He was nearly in halfback's pocket': Hansen praises ref's bravery

11 Nov, 2018 9:17am
5 minutes to read

"What was going through my mind was are they going to be brave enough?"

New Zealand's Beauden Barrett, second right, celebrates with Ryan Crotty, second left, after the rugby union international match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham. Photo / AP

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Gregor Paul: All Blacks dodge bullet in controversial win

11 Nov, 2018 5:29am
4 minutes to read

England were robbed of a try by the TMO with five minutes to go.

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Exclusive: SBW's message for his critics

9 Nov, 2018 6:00pm
7 minutes to read

Big Read: "People have a lot more eyes on me because of the person I am."

England's Brad Shields during the Quilter International match between England and South Africa. Photo / Getty Images.

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The biggest challenge Brad Shields will face

9 Nov, 2018 12:45pm
5 minutes to read

Playing against New Zealand may test Brad Shields in ways he hasn't imagined.

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Gregor Paul: ABs need to rise to Twickenham test

8 Nov, 2018 6:54pm
4 minutes to read

Playing England at Twickenham is one of the great challenges in world rugby.

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Why Beauden Barrett can't get a fair deal

7 Nov, 2018 7:23pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: The market has locked in its view that Beauden Barrett is not to be trusted.

Steve Hansen and Ian Foster won't be fans of Brad Shields' decision to play test rugby for England. Photo / Getty

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Lost integrity: The player ABs coaches can't stand

7 Nov, 2018 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Chasing the ABs dream for decades only to join another team lacks sincerity.

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Comment: ABs must be aware of England's KGB tactics

5 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: They know if they are patient, their enemy will give something up.

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Why Mo'unga is destined for greatness

4 Nov, 2018 4:30pm
4 minutes to read

His performance against Japan was what every coach in the world wants from their No 10.

Jackson Hemopo of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty

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What the All Blacks learned about their rising stars

3 Nov, 2018 9:45pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks leave Tokyo knowing plenty about some whom they knew previously little.

Ngani Laumape of the All Blacks celebrates scoring a try with teammates. Photo / Getty

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Next wave of All Blacks dismantle Japan

3 Nov, 2018 8:35pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks were nothing but persistently excellent against Japan.

Kieran Read is set to walk away from the All Blacks after next year's World Cup in Japan. Photo Getty

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Big Read: Why ABs captain set himself a 'finish line'

3 Nov, 2018 10:48am
6 minutes to read

As his test career winds down, Kieran Read has finally made the All Blacks his own.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read. Photo / Getty

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Captain Kieran Read to walk away from All Blacks

3 Nov, 2018 6:00am
4 minutes to read

All Blacks captain says he is almost certain he'll be taking up an overseas contract.

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Forget the All Blacks: England the real jersey thieves

2 Nov, 2018 4:18pm
4 minutes to read

Comment: If there's accusations about devaluing tests, then it could be hurled at England.

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'It's nonsense': Hansen hits back at 'devaluing jersey'

2 Nov, 2018 12:08pm
4 minutes to read

Don't try telling Steve Hansen he's giving test caps away.

Nehe Milner-Skudder will start on the wing against Japan in Tokyo. Photo / Getty

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Comment: Why Japan could be All Black's last appearance

1 Nov, 2018 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

He wowed the world in 2015 - but this could be the last time we see speedster for the ABs.

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The new All Black you may never hear about again

31 Oct, 2018 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: Even ardent rugby followers weren't sure they had ever heard of Reuben O'Neill.

Jordie Barrett makes a break during the All Blacks' defeat to the Springboks. Photo / Getty

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Jordie set for return after awkward last test

31 Oct, 2018 5:20am
4 minutes to read

Jordie Barrett has been encouraged to keep playing his natural game.

Waisake Naholo and Shannon Frizell of the All Blacks run out on to field. Photo / Getty

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The battle for final two spots in ABs' World Cup squad

30 Oct, 2018 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: All but two of the 31 places for next year's World Cup have been filled.

Dane Coles is back for the All Blacks this weekend. Photo / Getty

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Why Dane Coles turned down the All Blacks captaincy

29 Oct, 2018 6:35pm
6 minutes to read

Dane Coles set to make an emotional return to the All Blacks lineup, but not as captain.

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Why Hansen won't drop struggling SBW

29 Oct, 2018 3:30pm
5 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Yes, the midfielder gets preferential treatment from ABs coach. Here's why.

Damian McKenzie makes a break during the Bledisloe Cup test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Australian Wallabies at Nissan Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

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McKenzie set for long haul at fullback

29 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Damian McKenzie is likely to feature at fullback for the other big All Blacks tests.

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The key thing that could kill All Blacks' World Cup hopes

29 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Sam Whitelock has become the poster boy for why rugby needs a global season.

Ardie Savea has returned to the All Blacks scene with a bang. Photo / Getty Images

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The second coming of Ardie Savea

28 Oct, 2018 6:52pm
4 minutes to read

Despite his obvious ability, it is still a surprise that he's blossomed the way he has.

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All Blacks reveal new tricks in Wallabies win

27 Oct, 2018 10:10pm
4 minutes to read

The ABs showed in Yokohama that they had learned from the Rugby Championship.

Ben Smith celebrates with Ardie Savea and Aaron Smith after scoring a try. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks claim Bledisloe Cup clean sweep

27 Oct, 2018 8:50pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks never looked in danger of doing anything other than winning, comfortably.

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The biggest surprise up All Blacks' sleeve

27 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks can't expect to always be able to run teams off their feet.

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'Frankenstein's monster': NZ Rugby's iron grip on best players grows weaker

27 Oct, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The iron grip NZR has enjoyed on its best players is weakening.

Kieran Read of the All Blacks performs the haka during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Argentina. Photo / Getty

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What the All Blacks really think of the seventh-ranked Wallabies

26 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

There is simply no chance All Blacks will underestimate the threat they face tomorrow.

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How I overcame 'calamities': SBW reflects on 50 tests

25 Oct, 2018 7:30pm
3 minutes to read

Coming into the ABs in 2010, Sonny Bill Williams couldn't see himself playing 50 tests.

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Gregor Paul: Why All Blacks have dumped Aaron Smith

25 Oct, 2018 3:30pm
4 minutes to read

The bold call to drop veteran halfback for Bledisloe finale has been a long time coming.

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Revealed: ABs test in Japan struggling to sell tickets

25 Oct, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

All Blacks face rare prospect of playing in front of a half-empty stadium this weekend.

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Why every All Black opponent is a winner

24 Oct, 2018 8:00pm
5 minutes to read

A season can be defined by a match against the All Blacks, writes Gregor Paul.

Matt Todd and Ardie Savea run through drills during an All Blacks training session. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks to unleash dogs of war

24 Oct, 2018 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

The All Blacks have hinted they will throw a full-force match day 23 at the Wallabies.

Beauden Barrett addressed rumours about his future. Photo / Getty

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The all-consuming distraction the ABs don't need

24 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Uncertainty about player movement is exactly what the ABs don't need before a World Cup.

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Lessons learned: All Blacks wary of desperate Wallabies

23 Oct, 2018 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

How young ABs learned the life lesson of never underestimating a desperate Wallabies side.