Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Brad Weber is excited and keen to make the most of his new senior role as the Chiefs number one halfback. Scoring a hat-trick of tries during the Chiefs preseason victory over the Brumbies in the last week was a good way to exhibit such enthusiasm. The stellar performance was the perfect way to return to a […] READ MORE
Super Rugby is building into its final stages of preseason, and new Chiefs coach Colin Cooper is looking to build on the solid foundations laid before him. It’s been a long preseason so far, with a lot of skills work taking place in December before beginning set piece work in the New Year. If the […] READ MORE
Positive news for the rest of World Rugby: the All Blacks are not as invincible as they once were. With respect, I do not say that lightly. Saturday’s win over the Barbarians at Twickenham showed glimpses of All Black magic but, it highlighted more just how vital certain personnel are to this team. A supposed […] READ MORE
The outcome of the game was an All Blacks win. And each side will walk away with questions over 'what went wrong' as much as 'what did we do right'. READ MORE
Two new players have been introduced to the starting team, for the Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday, August 19. Liam Squire and Damian McKenzie get the nod over two veteran All Blacks, to reward great Super Rugby form (and more). Both players have had minimal opportunities in black, so the opening Bledisloe Cup match, and […] READ MORE
Impressive Crusaders fullback David Havili might just find himself having the opportunity to represent the All Blacks sooner than he could ever have imagined. The season is over for Jordie Barrett, all bar the medical confirmation. During the Hurricanes semifinal loss to the Lions; Barrett injured his shoulder and has most likely torn some crucial […] READ MORE
It occurs only rarely. That perfect scenario–a player choosing to end their term with a team, and to ‘go out on top’. That could be a championship, gold medal and a lasting legacy. But, it only happens rarely and there was no fairy tale ending in Super Rugby semifinals played this weekend. Sadly there was […] READ MORE
Rumours that Damian McKenzie could feature for the Leicester Tigers in 2018 have gathered momentum this week, but the reliability of information coming out of the UK is inconsistent at best. All that talk is just that though – talk. If it happens, and it’s a big if at this point, McKenzie’s departure would be […] READ MORE
Someone at SANZAAR is under fire. At a time when their competition is reaching it’s zenith, they seem to be more concerned with pleasing their regional parties, than choosing the brightest and best from within the competition. Their Sanzaar Team of the Week is wholly representative of form, and is being questioned by punters and […] READ MORE
The Chiefs semifinal hopes may rest with Damian McKenzie in Saturday’s do-or-die Super Rugby semifinal clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch. McKenzie, 22, is currently riding the waves of his most impressive Super Rugby season yet. ‘The smiling assassin’ insists he doesn’t deliberately look for the camera just before starting his kicking routine. The stillness, […] 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.