Analysis
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Contributors
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.
292 Articles
Latest
1 day ago Super Rugby Pacific
Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi could be Wallaby mainstays
5 days ago International Rugby
RA would be wise not to undo all the good work done by Reds staff
6 days ago Investec Champions Cup
Ronan O'Gara was downed by a drop-goal from his beloved Munster side
8 days ago Australia
Geoff Parling: The Englishman plotting the Lions' downfall
Analysis
Can Samoa and Tonga ever become contenders when their top talent is skimmed?
With Kyren Taumoefolau linked with an All Blacks switch, can his franchise catapult Pasifika nations into permanent Tier One conte…
Nick Bishop
01 Apr 2025, 3:57
Analysis
Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory
The wily duo, combined with a Moneyball-style approach, could build on the impressive foundations laid by Joe Schmidt.
Nick Bishop
31 Mar 2025, 16:51
Analysis
Can 'Tongan Thor' rediscover his strength before the Lions arrive?
Taniela Tupou's form has tailed off in New South Wales, and how his franchise and national teams need the mighty prop at his best.
Nick Bishop
19 Mar 2025, 17:15
Analysis
Did innovative England emerge strongest from the Six Nations?
Steve Borthwick's deluge of back-rowers and clever use of the bench points the way forward for teams who cannot deploy a bruising …
Nick Bishop
17 Mar 2025, 13:17
Analysis
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection
Saturday's showdown between the Reds and Waratahs is not merely a clash of styles, but an Australia trial into the bargain.
Nick Bishop
13 Mar 2025, 16:20
Analysis
How Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks are winning rugby's secret information war
The flow of coaching talent from - and back to - South Africa underscores the shrewd calculation of their all-conquering supremo.
Nick Bishop
12 Mar 2025, 17:53
Analysis
Northern sides would toil in Super Rugby? The numbers say different
The tired old assumption rugby is stodgy and set-piece-dominated in the northern hemisphere does not stand up to scrutiny.
Nick Bishop
11 Mar 2025, 16:50
Analysis
How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations
Shorn of their greatest talent, Les Bleus eviscerated their fancied hosts with a blend of power and panache, raising questions abo…
Nick Bishop
10 Mar 2025, 8:38
Analysis
Will Vern Cotter succumb to second season Blues in Auckland?
'Stern Vern' has infused the champions with renewed steel, but can he continue to steer the franchise onwards?
Nick Bishop
05 Mar 2025, 17:32
Analysis
The revitalised Australians are pushing a Super Rugby revival
Super Rugby may be 'shrinking to glory', and the Australians are the driving force behind an enticing new season.
Nick Bishop
05 Mar 2025, 17:32
Analysis
How Australian rugby can combine gourmet home cooking and the overseas 'takeaway'
Player 'hubs' in Europe, coupled with the rise of domestic franchises, can pave the way towards a bright Wallaby future.
Nick Bishop
03 Mar 2025, 17:48
Analysis
Have England suddenly become a 'lucky' team?
Back-to-back victories by a single point have buoyed the Red Rose, while raising further questions about the team's progression.
Nick Bishop
25 Feb 2025, 11:03
Analysis
Jamie Joseph could lead the Highlanders to the promised land and himself to the All Blacks job
There are hallmarks of Joseph's 2015 Super Rugby champions in his newly assembled crop of a decade later.
Nick Bishop
24 Feb 2025, 18:11
Analysis
Where is the new breed of All Black 10?
The longer Richie Mo'unga remains in Japan, the greater the dearth of emerging New Zealand fly-halves seems to grow.
Nick Bishop
20 Feb 2025, 17:48
Analysis
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii can be Australia's new cross-code hero
The supremely talented Wallaby has shown he can exceed the levels reached by Israel Folau in a green and gold jersey.
Nick Bishop
17 Feb 2025, 12:45
Analysis
How will Matt Sherratt rebuild crumbling Wales?
The interim head coach has scant time to address massive issues, but can implement short-term change.
Nick Bishop
14 Feb 2025, 2:47
Analysis
How England's Le Crunch success creates Lions conundrums
As England prevail, Rugby Australia and the British and Irish Lions face seminal decisions with the series looming large.
Nick Bishop
12 Feb 2025, 4:33
Analysis
How the England firm of 'Smith & Smith' toppled France
Steve Borthwick's new playmaking axis had a huge bearing on a seminal English win on Saturday evening.
Nick Bishop
11 Feb 2025, 8:13
Analysis
When will France learn to win away from home?
The all-consuming demands of the Top 14 may actually harm the 'golden generation' and their quest to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Nick Bishop
05 Feb 2025, 6:36
Analysis
Six Nations: The pressure is mounting on Warren Gatland and Steve Borthwick
Amid off-field reviews and on-field losses, both heavyweight coaches are under pressure to deliver.
Nick Bishop
04 Feb 2025, 4:05
