Analysis
It's not X-factor the All Blacks are desperate for in the midfield
For the last six years, the All Blacks have seemingly erred away from technical skills in favour of X-factor.
Nick Bishop
28 Jul 2022, 8:33
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.
Analysis
Burned by Beirne: Is the All Blacks engine room coming off the rails?
The selection of tough, mobile second rows has always been a point of difference in New Zealand’s favour - until now.
Nick Bishop
26 Jul 2022, 7:19
Analysis
Has Ian Foster reached the tipping point as All Blacks coach?
Was the lack of foresight from the All Blacks in their second test with Ireland the death knell for the coach?
Nick Bishop
12 Jul 2022, 12:23
Analysis
Is England's Marcus Smith-Owen Farrell axis doomed to fail?
Marcus Smith's and Owen Farrell's individual strengths aren't necessarily going to synergise for England.
Nick Bishop
07 Jul 2022, 11:20
Analysis
Lineout-dismantler Cullen Grace can't be ignored by the All Blacks
Cullen Grace could be the man best-suited to fill Kieran Read's boots in the All Blacks.
Nick Bishop
23 Jun 2022, 12:28
Analysis
Oppressive defence bites back as finals rugby arrives
After a period typified by free-flowing, attacking rugby, resolute defence has taken over in 2022.
Nick Bishop
16 Jun 2022, 11:53
Analysis
Ireland's Kiwis set to remind All Blacks what they're missing
Ireland's New Zealand-born stars weren't finished products when they arrived in the Emerald Isle - but they are now.
Nick Bishop
09 Jun 2022, 12:17
Analysis
How Joe Schmidt will make his mark on All Blacks
Joe Schmidt is not the kind of coach to take a 'hands off' approach to his work.
Nick Bishop
31 May 2022, 12:10
Analysis
Will the Premiership go to war with the URC?
Nick Bishop
25 May 2022, 7:26
Analysis
England must embrace attacking flair of young firecrackers
When young Henry Arundell’s length-of-the-field try against Toulon went viral, something in the stratum of English rugby began t…
Nick Bishop
11 May 2022, 11:49
Analysis
There can be no substitute for power in the All Blacks midfield
The All Blacks need a big body in the midfield if they want to succeed at next year's World Cup.
Nick Bishop
03 May 2022, 12:41
Analysis
Should England relax its overseas eligibility rule for Zach Mercer?
Maybe it's time for England to start peeping over the parapet of national boundaries into the big world beyond.
Nick Bishop
13 Apr 2022, 12:42
Analysis
The foundation of the All Blacks' defence is breaking down
The bedrock of the modern All Blacks - and therefore, their defence - has always been the Crusaders.
Nick Bishop
08 Apr 2022, 14:18
Analysis
Ireland v France: Is it better to play with or without the ball?
France and Ireland have adopted very different strategies throughout this year's Six Nations championship.
Nick Bishop
30 Mar 2022, 10:15
Analysis
Six Nations highlights changes needed for the modern scrum
As a platform for constructive play, the scrum has become an afterthought.
Nick Bishop
22 Mar 2022, 11:54
Analysis
Does Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have the makings of a test midfielder?
Where will Roger Tuivasa-Sheck need to grow to become an All Blacks candidate?
Nick Bishop
03 Mar 2022, 11:46
Analysis
How England's exploits shut down the Wales lineout
England made the most of some lax refereeing in their win over Wales at Twickenham.
Nick Bishop
01 Mar 2022, 11:22
Analysis
How Shaun Edwards' France have gained the upper hand on defence
Shaun Edwards has led a defensive revolution with Les Bleus.
Nick Bishop
23 Feb 2022, 6:21
Analysis
Why did England's attack struggle in the Calcutta Cup?
England, normally so efficient on attack, struggled to crack the Scottish defence in Edinburgh.
Nick Bishop
10 Feb 2022, 10:18
Analysis
How France channeled England to best All Blacks
France, like England, showed the tactics needed to beat the All Blacks.
Nick Bishop
10 Dec 2021, 12:18
