Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
With the results marked down, two semi-finals were played in New Zealand, where determined tackling sees the Crusaders reach the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific final. There, they will travel to Auckland to meet the competition premiers, the Blues. The Blues defeated the ACT Brumbies 20-19 on a wet evening, surviving a torrid final quarter after […] READ MORE
An intriguing trend is emerging across the rugby world. More and more, locks are being utilized as flankers. It seems to be the ‘rise of the second row/flanker’. From English Premiership rugby, to the Mitre 10 Cup, the use of tall locks as ranging flankers has become fashionable. So, to bring a balance, Last Word […] READ MORE
Unfavourable is the feeling that Les Bleus will hold, after more incidents of referee calls did not fall their way against the All Blacks in Dunedin. In what seems to be a case of that the ‘French cannot catch a break’ seemed to cloud another All Blacks 49-14 win. What was clear, was that an […] READ MORE
It might be stating the obvious, but one ‘rugby family’ will have plenty to celebrate at the end of year festivities. Scott Barrett held aloft the Super Rugby title. Beauden Barrett was voted the number one player by World Rugby (for the second year running). And Jordie Barrett had breakout season, before all three Barrett brothers […] READ MORE
‘Who the Lock’ Will Play Against Italy? That is the burning question for All Black fans, as injury affected that sides last performance–a loss to Ireland No, it did not all rest on the locking departments shoulders; handling errors were a major factor, indecisive selections and several on-field injuries did not help the team’s cause. […] READ MORE
The All Blacks have named a strong squad for their upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour to Chicago and to Europe beginning in two weeks time. Fresh off their 37-10 victory over the Wallabies, the All Blacks now turn their attention to the traditional end-of-year tour. This isn’t just a trip away for Steve Hansen and his […] 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.