Analysis
Australia
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Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop was rugby analyst/advisor to Graham Henry (1999-2003) and Mike Ruddock (2004-2006) with Wales. He has worked with Stuart Lancaster for England (2012-2015), Leinster (2016-2022) and currently for Racing 92 in France’s Top 14. Three of his four rugby books have shortlisted for, or won national sports book awards.
322 Articles
Latest
3 days ago International Rugby
Should the All Blacks stick with Tupou Vaa'i at number six?
4 days ago British & Irish Lions
Henry Pollock could start at six in the Lions' first Test
11 days ago Australia
Has Taniela Tupou's Lions dream died?
11 days ago International Rugby
Can Les Bleus avoid a Black-wash in New Zealand?
Analysis
Who is telling the truth about France's tour of New Zealand?
Prominent New Zealand figures have lambasted Fabien Galthie's weakened selection, while the France coach points to player welfare.
Nick Bishop
03 Jul 2025, 14:01
Analysis
How the Lions found their roar, and disproved a popular Australian theory
In hammering the Western Force, Andy Farrell's tourists disproved the popular theory about the stodgy nature of northern hemispher…
Nick Bishop
01 Jul 2025, 2:35
Analysis
Can ‘hybrid’ Damian McKenzie lead the All Blacks to a World Cup?
The New Zealand playmaker's backfield frailties in the Super Rugby Pacific final raises further questions over his suitability at …
Nick Bishop
24 Jun 2025, 12:41
Analysis
Will the 2025 Lions be more, or less, than the sum of their parts?
Andy Farrell's 'Big Back theory’ worked in fits and start on attack, but the experiment is unlikely to be repeated in defence du…
Nick Bishop
24 Jun 2025, 2:52
Analysis
Has Quade Cooper solved a Lions riddle for Australia?
The enigmatic playmaker may have offered the perfect answer to Joe Schmidt's quandary over who should pull the strings when the Li…
Nick Bishop
18 Jun 2025, 10:48
Analysis
How Leinster bullied the Bulls at Croke Park
Jake White's men were bested at their own game, raising questions about the sustainability of South Africa's endless two-hemispher…
Nick Bishop
17 Jun 2025, 4:44
Analysis
Why Bath and Leicester represent the 'best of the best' in English rugby
From the days of 'Deano' and 'Robbo' to the more barren modern times, these juggernauts chart an inextricably linked and iconic hi…
Nick Bishop
11 Jun 2025, 4:53
Analysis
The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter
Fractures appeared again in the Reds front-row in Christchurch, which could have a damning effect on their Lions tour selection ho…
Nick Bishop
09 Jun 2025, 14:54
Analysis
Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10
The New Zealand rugby hierarchy should try and try again to bring the former Crusaders playmaker and recently crowned Japanese cha…
Nick Bishop
05 Jun 2025, 15:15
Analysis
Why Brumbies could be key to avoiding a Lions tour cricket score
Combinations and form in Canberra could yet compel Joe Schmidt to back the men from the capital as he prepares to face Andy Farrel…
Nick Bishop
04 Jun 2025, 13:05
Analysis
Why the Gallagher Premiership is setting the gold standard in club rugby
With high ball-in-play time and success stories at Test level, England's top flight delivers an excellent product - despite its fi…
Nick Bishop
02 Jun 2025, 3:39
Analysis
Why it's time for regional revolution in Welsh rugby
Australia has shown the way by cutting one of its professional franchises, now powerbrokers in Wales must make the same bold step.
Nick Bishop
29 May 2025, 4:47
Analysis
Are Bordeaux-Begles, not Toulouse, the future of French rugby?
UBB's Champions Cup triumph and their plethora of free-wheeling internationals have shifted expectations for a France side shorn o…
Nick Bishop
27 May 2025, 12:56
Analysis
Should the All Blacks return the fabled number seven jersey to Ardie Savea?
He's an indispensable member of the All Blacks pack, but which position best suits the barnstorming Moana Pasifika talisman?
Nick Bishop
26 May 2025, 15:36
Analysis
How long can South Africa hedge their bets in both hemispheres?
While Rassie Erasmus' Springboks have conquered all in their path, the ex-Super Rugby franchises have struggled to deliver at the …
Nick Bishop
17 May 2025, 0:53
Analysis
How the Chiefs have become Super Rugby Pacific's ultimate finishers
Clayton McMillan's impact subs and dynamism off the bench have made the Chiefs stronger at the end of matches than they are at the…
Nick Bishop
12 May 2025, 14:59
Analysis
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'
If they get their selection right, and see Andrew Porter's driving angle penalised, the Wallabies could turn a traditional weaknes…
Nick Bishop
12 May 2025, 3:44
Analysis
As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?
With England growing and Ireland's dominance seemingly on the wane, has the Lions coach backed the right horses to defeat Australi…
Nick Bishop
09 May 2025, 5:11
Analysis
Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?
Is the Queensland boss the right man to lead Australia forward? And will Joe Schmidt be tempted to stick around for Rugby World Cu…
Nick Bishop
05 May 2025, 14:18
Analysis
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster
Northampton Saints found a way of beating the fabled Jacques Nienaber blitz and inflicting another 'horrific' Champions Cup loss o…
Nick Bishop
05 May 2025, 2:34
