A handful of debutants likely for All Blacks re-build
After a limited year in 2020, the All Blacks finally have a full calendar ahead of them to rebuild.
Gregor Paul
Southern Hemisphere editor, The XV
Gregor is New Zealand’s best-read rugby commentator and analyst having been the voice of the Herald’s rugby coverage since 2004. He’s also written seven books about rugby and edited NZ Rugby World since 2007.
No more false starts in battle for All Blacks No 10 jersey
The extended 2021 season will finally allow for a proper head-to-head for the All Blacks No 10 jersey.
Lions provide blueprint for global game
The British and Irish Lions of 2017 set the standards for the years to come. Will the same be the case in 2021?
Taking back the throne
Aaron Smith has taken his game to new heights in 2021 and is back in the conversation for world’s best.
Gamble of a lifetime
By focusing on the Olympics, Caleb Clarke is putting his spot in the All Blacks pecking order at risk.
Victory breeds complacency
A weak Super Rugby competition will continue to harm performances on the international stage.
Read between the lines
Kieran Read, perhaps the greatest No 8 of the modern era, has finally hung up his boots.
The L word
Employees wouldn’t normally have a say in how a business is run, but professional sport is a different beast.
Decision time
A mid-season off-shore signing has hampered the final weeks of many a player’s New Zealand career.
A closer shave
Scott Robertson has led the Crusaders to a fifth title but has that enhanced his All Blacks chances?