Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
When these two sides clash, the Māori All Blacks v Moana Pasifika fixture on December 5 is going to be both a nod to cultural heritage of indigenous rugby culture in New Zealand, as well as one more reward for rugby fans who have had a ‘less than satisfactory year’ [thanks to Covid]. The colours […] READ MORE
When numbers count, the figures for attendance at Super Rugby Aotearoa matches in rounds one and two may reach unfamiliar heights. Yet, in unfamiliar times [Covid-19 enforced] something that is positive is very much required. The positives from rugby resuming are untold. In terms of social importance, in participation in part by the teams as […] READ MORE
In both codes of rugby, like many sports, there is always a debate between the merits of an artificial pitch and natural grass. Most stadiums in both rugby league and union have natural grass. However, there is a growing number of rugby stadiums using an artificial pitch as their main surface. Previously, Raheem Bashir has […] READ MORE
BC Place, in Vancouver, Canada and FMG Stadium Waikato in New Zealand, are two stadiums with fundamental differences in nature. Both sustain the same type of ball sports yet, they each use two dissimilar technologies to groom the playing surface on. For the sport of rugby union, many have talked about which is better. Artificial […] READ MORE
It will be the second year for the HSBC New Zealand Sevens new home in Hamilton, when the latest leg of the 2018/19 world series begins this Saturday. Replacing Wellington, the event is back to prove that it is now the ‘new home’ for the yearly sevens-celebration. Kicking off the New Year, this is the third […] READ MORE
With an ever-changing New Zealand conference, the Crusaders beat a lacklustre Chiefs side 20-34, to consolidate their status as the leading side heading into the International break. READ MORE
It was by the account of their head coach, an 'outstanding' performance that saw the Chiefs overcome the Waratahs on a night when both coaches couldn't ask for much more heart, from their respective 23-man lineups. READ MORE
In yet another narrow finish, the Chiefs v Blues local derby was an exciting fixture with the two traditional rivals competing in the second of their inter-conference match. The Waikato side got the better of the Auckland team, yet the two coaches reaction shows how closely fought it was on the field READ MORE
Fiji earned the inaugural Hamilton 7s title on Sunday, as fans return to NZ Sevens at it's new home. Moving from Wellington, the crowds were out in force, to enjoy a wonderful weekend of rugby sevens READ MORE
Treating the new venue of the New Zealand Sevens like ‘any other leg’ is the best attitude for the All Black Sevens team. Enjoy the local support, and play to the familiar conditions of course (as Australia did last weekend) but focus on the goal – the HSBC Sevens Series title Embracing the local venue […] READ MORE