News about Conrad Smith

ALEX BYWATER: The challenge facing England at Eden Park on Saturday is daunting to say the least. New Zealand haven't lost at the Auckland venue since 1994, winning 48 of their matches in that time and drawing twice. Steve Borthwick's men will have to break the course of history to seal a famous victory. But as they seek inspiration ahead of their second Test, England could do a lot worse than look at the performance of the last national side to have played at the ground synonymous with All Black rugby. It's been 10 years since a Red Rose team took to the Eden Park stage.

ALEX BYWATER: It is the jewel in European rugby's crown and one of the sporting calendar's highlights. But as the Six Nations gets ready for kick off in 2024, are the physical and mental demands being placed on those who take to the field now too great?And how does rugby's 'crazy' decision to play the tournament over a six-week period from 2026 sit alongside the claim made by the game's authorities that player welfare is their No 1 priority? These are all important concerns and may well make for uncomfortable reading for World Rugby, the Six Nations, and the Six Nations' stakeholder unions. However, they must be posed for the benefit of the players and rugby as a whole.

Exclusive BY ALEX BYWATER BYWATER BYWATER When Dan Carter arrived in Paris earlier this week, it was confirmation for the legendary New Zealand fly-half's playing days are now fully behind him. I'm aweful because I was still playing in Japan even though I had removed from international rugby at the last World Cup in 2019.' Carter said in Mail Sport. It was the first World Cup in which I hadn't participated for 20 years.' I was sitting and watching, but a part of me that I felt I should still be playing. I was missing it.

ALEX BYWATER: With talks over the establishment of a new world league this week, rugby's top-two nations have reiterated their call for more games against the game's elite. Representatives from rugby's top nations are in London to investigate, among other aspects, the fall window extension from three to four weeks, and the potential shortening of the Six Nations from seven to six weeks. The Rugby Championship is now being considered. It all forms part of the Six Nations plus New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and Argentina's bid to establish a new world league, which will launch in 2026 and include the six nations listed above.