Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
As the details emerge, it has been a big week in New Zealand Rugby; there has been the announcement of a new head coach and the 2019 ASB Rugby Awards. Over the course of three days, the speculation over which man would helm the All Blacks direction over the next two years was finally decided. […] READ MORE
Watching the modern rugby game, there are many examples of good Rugby Technique in use – the ‘rip-tackle’ of the ball, being the popular target for defenders. This is evident in Super Rugby, Champions Cup and at many levels of the game. The objective; to remove the ball from opponents possession. Now that might seem […] READ MORE
This was another wonderful old-school test match between England and the All Blacks. Played in dreadful conditions at Twickenham, New Zealand took the match… just, by fighting back after the England rugby team were ahead 15-0 at one stage, to narrowly win 16-15. The World Champions were given an almighty scare by a resurgent England rugby […] READ MORE
In the above video, New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen was forced to make a late change to All Blacks selection, with an injury-forced change to his starting XV. With the Bledisloe Cup Test just over one day away, Matt Todd has been replaced by Ardie Savea. Hansen, speaking to media after the All Blacks […] READ MORE
With so many wholesale changes for All Blacks v Argentina on Saturday, it appears that the rotation is being utilized during The Rugby Championship 2017 READ MORE
The All Blacks and Steve Hansen’s multiple choices are an 'wonderful type of headache' to have, and one which most head coaches would want every day. Ardie Savea will play again at number 8 against the Stormers tonight, and can show us if he is ready to take the spot as the commander of the pack. READ MORE
The comparison of Super Rugby styles shows how a team like the 'Canes have progressed. In reality, it might have taken 20 seasons to perfect their style of game. A long wait for a championship, so for Japan rugby fans, results like yesterday form part of a long-term vision. READ MORE
2016 was banner year for the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise, putting the ‘crushing disappointment’ of losing the 2015 final on their home turf to the Highlanders behind them. They did that to finally take their maiden title, beating the Emirates Lions 20-3 in the decider at Westpac Stadium, Wellington. This year, target will firmly be […] READ MORE
Brothers can often be the most fiercest of competitors. The internal battles fought over time can bring out the best from each. So for the Savea boys, those times pretending they were All Blacks developing their backyard rugby skills have come true. On August 20, at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Ardie Savea made his test debut–substituted on for […] READ MORE
Sam Cane will miss the rest of the The Rugby Championship after suffering a hamstring injury during the match against Argentina last weekend. READ MORE
Michael Pulman is a contributor for Last Word On Rugby and writes regular content with a New Zealand focus. Beginning as a blogger on his own and through various other platforms, Mike has gone on to become a genuine sports reporter, covering NZ Rugby and all competitions domestic, and Internationally, as well as Cricket.