Analysis
How Maro Itoje terrorised the All Blacks lineout
Scott Robertson has set-piece issues to address before the big beasts of the Rugby Championship loom into view.
Nick Bishop
15 Jul 2024, 4:57
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
How can fraying Wallabies maul handle Springbok brawn?
Joe Schmidt's defence of the driving lineout must take a quantum leap forward before the Rugby Championship.
Nick Bishop
16 Jul 2024, 5:54
Analysis
Ireland and South Africa share the same player development dilemma
Neither nation can accommodate all its versatile back players, nor even decide which position suits them best.
Nick Bishop
19 Jul 2024, 9:24
Analysis
How 'gazelle' Nick Frost thawed the hearts of Wallaby fans at Suncorp
The giant Brumby delivered a timely reminder of his vast athletic talent - and some key improvements.
Nick Bishop
22 Jul 2024, 8:15
Analysis
Why England should take Joe Marler’s advice and build for the future in the front row
The All Blacks showed up a weakness at the coal face which showed England need to bring powerful new scrummagers through
Nick Bishop
26 Jul 2024, 3:30
Analysis
How Antoine Dupont lit up the rugby world to vie for GOAT status
The French captain's exploits over the past 12 months have led many commentators to state that he is the greatest of all-time at 2…
Nick Bishop
30 Jul 2024, 7:41
Analysis
Can the Wallabies win the battle of the back-five against the Boks?
The Wallabies have injury problems of their own and they will find out whether their strength-in-depth matches the Springboks' res…
Nick Bishop
06 Aug 2024, 6:24
Analysis
How will Scott Robertson shuffle his backline pack for the Rugby Championship?
After the England Series, the All Blacks have rung the backline changes ahead of The Rugby Championship opener with Los Pumas
Nick Bishop
09 Aug 2024, 2:52
Analysis
'Are Razor’s All Blacks heading for an early exit in the Rugby Championship?'
New Zealand's failure to fashion clean exits from their own half cost them gravely against Argentina.
Nick Bishop
13 Aug 2024, 6:00
Analysis
Does 'Giteau's Law' need revisiting to revive weakened Wallabies?
The Australia coach's home-based troops were battered and bruised by South Africa in the Rugby Championship opener.
Nick Bishop
12 Aug 2024, 7:27
Analysis
'Nowhere to hide' for All Blacks as South African mini-tour looms
As these ancient rivals renew their blood feud, can New Zealand handle the world champions on their own patch?
Nick Bishop
19 Aug 2024, 17:03
Analysis
Can the Wallabies return to rugby's top tier?
The key tenets of a Joe Schmidt team have been sorely absent from Australia's early Rugby Championship performances.
Nick Bishop
19 Aug 2024, 5:53
Analysis
Is it time to rethink the 23-player matchday squad?
As concerns over player safety rise, should rugby change its laws on replacements?
Nick Bishop
25 Aug 2024, 3:36
Analysis
The Wallaby front row can move ahead of the curve in Argentina
Could returning behemoth Brandon Paenga-Amosa be the answer to Australia's scrum struggles?
Nick Bishop
27 Aug 2024, 10:56
Analysis
Rassie Erasmus, the ultimate high-stakes gambler, goes 'all-in' and wins big again
The Springbok supremo may make the most innovative use of the bench of any coach, in any sport.
Nick Bishop
02 Sep 2024, 9:26
Analysis
Can Joe Schmidt create an 'Australian Way' punters will embrace?
Results aside, the new Wallabies coach will be judged most keenly on his attacking style.
Nick Bishop
03 Sep 2024, 16:54
Analysis
Should rugby take the road less travelled?
The season denouements threw up a plethora of styles and stories - but which will prevail in the months ahead?
Nick Bishop
01 Jul 2024, 11:38
Analysis
Will Wallaby revenge be served up hot against Wales in July?
Joe Schmidt isn't one for grandstanding but he will be relishing bringing down Warren Gatland's Wales on home turf
Nick Bishop
27 Jun 2024, 2:31
Analysis
Is Ireland versus South Africa a battle for the title of ‘world champions’?
Andy Farrell's men travel to South Africa in a less bullish mood than a matter of months ago due to some high-profile losses
Nick Bishop
25 Jun 2024, 8:49
Analysis
Why Joe Schmidt cannot rely on the Brumbies' creaking tight five
The ACT franchise are traditional set-piece bastions, but show alarming signs of decline up front.
Nick Bishop
18 Jun 2024, 11:54
