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Ned Lester

Auckland

Multimedia Content Editor at RugbyPass

Articles

  • 4 days ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

    Four newcomers have been named to join the All Blacks forward pack to begin 2025, with one in particular furthering an emerging strength for the team. Ollie Norris has been rewarded for his continued growth in the Chiefs’ front row, steering the club to a 97.2 per cent success rate in the scrums – good for the best rate in not just Super Rugby Pacific, but the Top 14, URC, and Gallagher Premiership, too.

  • 4 days ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

    Just two specialist wingers were named in the first All Blacks squad of the year, something that came as a shock to all fans, given the breadth of talent New Zealand possesses. The call undoubtedly left the Kiwi faithful wondering: who’s the next man up, should the All Blacks need cover out wide? Attention naturally fell to former winger Rieko Ioane.

  • 4 days ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

    The Maori All Blacks have named a 29-strong squad to take on Japan XV and Scotland over the next two weeks. 11 of the 29 players are uncapped, with head coach Ross Filipo missing the services of six capped campaigners due to injury. Blues hooker Kurt Eklund has been named as the team’s new captain, a recognition of the Ngati Kahu, Bay of Plenty product’s character and experience.

  • 4 days ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

    Just under 10 months ago, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson grinned as he endorsed the notion that workhorse loose forward Ethan Blackadder was possessed, such was his work rate around the park against the Springboks in Johannesburg. On Monday, when the first New Zealand squad of 2025 was announced, Blackadder’s name was not read.

  • 1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Ned Lester

    There is only one major statistical category in which the Crusaders have outperformed the Chiefs in 2025, but no one beats the storied club on its home soil. So, who’s the favourite to lift the silverware? The Super Rugby Pacific grand final is here, and it’s the best of the best squaring off in a contest where both sides have plenty of reasons to feel confident.

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