Phil Gifford relates some of the story behind working on Sir Wayne Smith’s book, Smithy: Endless Winters and the Spring of ’22 (out now) and the inner workings of a man who has been involved in the thick of the All Blacks and rugby in general for over 40 years.
Campbell Burnes finds a two-time Rugby World Cup winner following her passion of working with at-risk youth, and not yet hanging up the boots for good.
Campbell Burnes analyses the Black Ferns’ northern tour, and concludes that a huge amount of work lies ahead for them to fire when it counts next October and November.
ichie Mo’unga is one of the best No 10s on the planet, is respected and admired but, as Campbell Burnes writes, not universally, and that is not entirely his fault (pages 10-14).
Campbell Burnes sets the scene for the reprise of one of rugby’s great rivalries, which must now take place in the unlikely setting of the eastern seaboard of Australia (pages 10-14).
Phil Gifford has his own take on the legacy of the 1971 Lions, who left these shores 50 years as just the third touring team to win a Test series here over the All Blacks (pages 28-31).
Campbell Burnes catches up with Hugh Renton after a breakout Highlanders season and ahead of what he hopes will be a second successful campaign with the Tasman Mako.
Campbell Burnes caught up with the great Kieran Read, who announced his retirement from all rugby in May after the Japanese Top League season (pages 10-14).
Campbell Burnes looks back at the delayed centennial celebrations for Northland and discovers the future looks bright in this proactive union (pages 46-48).
Aaron Smith reviews the Highlanders season, which saw some inconsistency along with big highs, including making the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final, while showcasing some prime talent (pages 64-66).