Latest from Gregor Paul on rugby

Gregor Paul: Samoa need to front

There’s been a parade, literally hundreds of tonnes of flesh pressed, school visits and endless talk about what it all means but, as kickoff looms, the question of whether Manu Samoa are any good can’t be put off any longer.

Gregor Paul: Lessons learned with jersey unveiling

The All Blacks unveiled their Rugby World Cup jersey today and the fact that fan fare was at a minimum was pleasing and encouraging, writes Gregor Paul.

Gregor Paul: Absence of big claims is just fine with Blues fans

Gregor Paul: Umaga is the only option

Super Rugby offers a place for 'old' men

Maybe it's time to think of 35 as the new 30 and not fall off our chairs if there are a heap of 40-year-olds playing Super Rugby in the next decade, writes Gregor Paul.

Gregor Paul: Recruits cool to hot city market

Should the Blues should be granted a larger budget than everyone else to mitigate Auckland's higher cost of living, asks Gregor Paul.

Gregor Paul: Who will lead Blues?

Those involved with the Blues coaching review have to insist it's not a done deal that Sir John Kirwan is staying on with Tabai Matson coming as his assistant.

Coaches should err on safety when players take knocks

Concussions are not an area where there can be too much of a good thing - better 10 people saying a player might be concussed than no one, writes Gregor Paul.

Come on Sanzar, admit Cheika cheated

Michael Cheika's actions were an obvious attempt to influence the outcome of the game by manipulating the mindset of the referee, writes Gregor Paul.

Rugby Herald: Luatua, no surprise

Rugby Herald writers Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendy give their expert opinion and analysis after the All Blacks name their team to play the Springboks in Wellington.

Gregor Paul: Lacklustre Champs in dire need credibility boost

Thousands of empty seats in Perth, yet more glaring refereeing blunders in both tests and what appears to be an increasing gap between the All Blacks and everyone else.

Rugby Herald: All Blacks build confidence

Herald rugby scribes Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendry are joined by Radio Sport Nigel Yalden to give their expert opinion and analysis after the All Blacks were victoriuos against a difficult Pumas team in Napier 28-9.

Are the ABs ready for Pumas?

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendry give their expert opinion and analysis after the All Blacks name their team to face the Pumas in Napier.

Gregor Paul: Dagg could be big winner at Napier

Making his first start at No10 in 21 tests, Beauden Barrett will feel that of all the men playing in Napier this Saturday.

Opinion: Hansen's choice best for ABs

A lot has been made about Steve Hansen being a loyal selector. Which he is - but not blindly or to any individuals as is often suggested, writes Gregor Paul.

Gregor Paul: Supersizing has been less than triumph

It's time to tidy up and put Super Rugby back in the box, where it will unlikely be given another thought until next year.

Gregor Paul: Hansen right to back top combo

The old guard are back and it feels right. Still feels right five years after Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read first played as a loose trio against Australia in Sydney.

Gregor Paul: Fekitoa justifies faith of All Black coaches

It was, to put it mildly, a surprise to see Malakai Fekitoa enter the fray at Eden Park with 20 minutes to go.