Ned Lester

Auckland

Multimedia Content Editor at RugbyPass

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Articles

Fijian Drua vs Blues: The boot of Barrett, return of silky Sotutu

6 days ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

Two of Super Rugby Pacific’s most underperforming sides met on Friday night in Suva, in a contest that promised unpredictability. However, it quickly became clear what kind of night it would be as the Blues shot out to an early lead. While you can never rule out the Fijian Drua, no matter what the deficit, the few opportunities on offer continued to be squandered.
All Blacks selectors meet for 'first crack' at 2025 squad

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

The All Blacks‘ season opener is 57 days away, and just as selection debate is heating up amongst fans and pundits, selectors themselves are starting to offer up their leading candidates to the scrutiny of their fellow coaches. Head coach Scott Robertson has assigned much of the selection power to his assistant coaches, who drive the debate for their respective areas of expertise, before ‘Razor’ himself gives final sign-off.
Stat chat: Has Hoskins Sotutu answered the All Blacks' questions in 2025?

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

Everything Hoskins Sotutu touched in 2024 turned to gold. Yet, an All Blacks recall remained out of reach. After leading all players with 12 tries scored in the Blues’ title run, Sotutu was left out in the cold, while a stroke of genius saw Wallace Sititi promoted to the top squad after just his rookie Super Rugby season. In hindsight, it was an obvious call, with Sititi poised to be the face of the New Zealand pack for years to come. But at the time, it was a contentious call to say the least.
Crusaders lock in rising star Macca Springer for the long haul

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

Young speedster Macca Springer will remain in Crusaders colours until at least 2028, thanks to a new deal with his home club. The 22-year-old is now two years into his Super Rugby career, and grabbed headlines in his recent season debut for notching five tries. The two-time New Zealand U20 selection says growing up in Tasman, his sights were always set on the red and black jersey.
Black Ferns reward 18-year-old's form in team to face Wallaroos

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

The first Black Ferns team of the year has been named, and selectors have backed young superstar Braxton Sorensen-McGee in the 15 jersey. The 18-year-old inspired back-to-back final wins for the Blues just weeks ago, with the Aucklanders taking out the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki crown and the inaugural Champions Final against their Australian counterparts. The youngster joins a lethal backline that will be led in the halves by Maia Joseph and Ruahei Demant.
'Shell-shocked' record-breaker Bailyn Sullivan on magnitude of Chiefs upset

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

No player in Super Rugby history had scored four tries off the bench before Saturday’s Kiwi derby between the Hurricanes and Chiefs, before Bailyn Sullivan’s cameo in the No. 23 jersey. It was a concerning non-contact injury to Kini Naholo that got the midfielder off the bench in just the seventh minute, forcing him onto the wing.
Black Ferns XV and Springbok Women announce 2025 fixtures

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

New Zealand’s development team, the Black Ferns XV, have expanded their 2025 schedule with two Tests in South Africa against the Springbok Women. The side were already locked in for a clash with the Black Ferns on July 5th, and will now travel to New Zealand’s iconic rivals for games on July 26 and August 2.
Crusaders settle on new starting 10 for Chiefs showdown

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

The Chiefs are coming to town, and the Crusaders have named an All Black-laden 23 to greet them for the top-of-the-table clash. The bulk of the hosts’ starting XV has All Blacks experience, matching the Chiefs in firepower. The visitors have, however, named more international experience on the bench. The Crusaders will be without Taha Kemara, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Highlanders, and Ethan Blackadder, who is yet to return from a hamstring injury.
Chiefs name strongest side of season to face Crusaders

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

The Chiefs’ big guns are back fit and firing in time for a top-of-the-table clash with the Crusaders in round 12. That includes Damian McKenzie, who is back at first five-eighth for the showdown, and Wallace Sititi, who gets his first start of the season. Sititi comes in at No. 8, shifting Luke Jacobson to the openside flank, while the in-form Simon Parker completes the loose trio on the blindside. All Black Samipeni Finau will provide cover from the bench.
TRC U20: New Zealand pile on the points, Australia overcome 17-nil defecit

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

New Zealand and Australia have claimed big wins in round two of The Rugby Championship U20s in South Africa, leaving the trans-Tasman rivals as the only undefeated sides after their draw in round one. The day started with a bang as New Zealand leapt to a 47-14 lead over Argentina at the halftime break, with the Kiwi forwards leading the charge by dominating the collision area and showing plenty of skills when sending the ball through the hands.