Analysis
How All Blacks can upset the apple cart and stun French rivals in Paris
A sizeable loss to South Africa could pave the way for an All Blacks victory in the World Cup opener.
Nick Bishop
07 Sep 2023, 11:11
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
Samoan marauders ready to break loose at Rugby World Cup
Bolstered by set-piece nous and returning All Blacks, Samoa can put together a compelling all-round game
Nick Bishop
04 Sep 2023, 11:38
Analysis
'Churchillian spirit may be all Borthwick can promise England'
Blood, sweat and tears may be all Steve Borthwick can offer England after another setback
Nick Bishop
02 Sep 2023, 3:34
Analysis
More questions than answers for 'destabilised' Wallabies
Australia's travails only sharpen the questions over the timing of Eddie Jones' appointment
Nick Bishop
30 Aug 2023, 13:42
Analysis
South Africa's brawn-plus-brain puts rugby world on red alert
Anything New Zealand could do, the Springboks did better in Friday's Twickenham rout.
Nick Bishop
29 Aug 2023, 12:33
Analysis
Are the three wise men regretting their jobs?
Can Steve Borthwick, Warren Gatland and Eddie Jones bake a World Cup cake with crumbs?
Nick Bishop
24 Aug 2023, 15:56
Analysis
'Do England really know where they are going?'
Another Dublin drubbing brought England's agonising travails into even sharper focus.
Nick Bishop
22 Aug 2023, 2:05
Analysis
'England are in a Rugby World Cup prison of their own making'
Steve Borthwick's selections have heaped pressure on Owen Farrell and straitjacketed the England attack.
Nick Bishop
18 Aug 2023, 4:44
Analysis
How Ireland and Scotland's possession punches could stymie the Springboks
South Africans are right to be nervous about the northern nations' possession power.
Nick Bishop
15 Aug 2023, 13:05
Analysis
Why Scott is the All Blacks' most important Barrett
He may have two illustrious siblings, but Scott Barrett is the most crucial brother to New Zealand's World Cup hopes.
Nick Bishop
11 Aug 2023, 9:53
Analysis
The Wallabies' prop woes have Rugby World Cup rivals licking their lips
Losing two premier tight-head props will have Australia scrambling at scrum time in France.
Nick Bishop
10 Aug 2023, 16:16
Analysis
Has the penny dropped in time for Eddie Jones and Australia?
A tactical U-turn from Eddie Jones may have dramatically boosted Australia's World Cup prospects.
Nick Bishop
09 Aug 2023, 16:38
Analysis
Why the Jones era has gotten off to the worst possible start for Wallabies
Australia were well and truly beaten in every facet that counts in their winless Rugby Championship campaign.
Nick Bishop
02 Aug 2023, 15:10
Analysis
How breakdown fury can boost Australia's odds against All Blacks
The breakdown needs to be a contest in Melbourne if the Wallabies want to have any chance of besting the All Blacks.
Nick Bishop
26 Jul 2023, 13:23
Analysis
Why there's already reason to believe in Eddie Jones' Wallabies
On the evidence of two matches, the Wallabies tight five could quick become a major force in world rugby.
Nick Bishop
24 Jul 2023, 13:38
Analysis
How the All Blacks ball runners bested the Springboks at their own game
The Springboks' ball carriers and ball players were well and truly shown up by their All Blacks opposition at Mount Smart.
Nick Bishop
19 Jul 2023, 8:13
Analysis
Why Eddie Jones' doomed Wallabies keep repeating history
The great Australian ball-retention tradition is being avidly dismantled by one of its biggest former advocates.
Nick Bishop
17 Jul 2023, 13:07
Analysis
The All Blacks have discovered an attacking spine and a new backbone
Between a rugged set-piece and some hard running in the midfield, the All Blacks have found a shape for the future.
Nick Bishop
11 Jul 2023, 8:22
Analysis
Boks masterclass highlighted why new Wallabies tactics are off the mark
The Wallabies game-plan dragged the character of play away from the strengths of Australia’s key players like a vicious rip-tide…
Nick Bishop
10 Jul 2023, 12:42
Analysis
How French demigods will replicate the U20s to dominate All Blacks
The Under 20s World Championship has become another precious tool for evaluation.
Nick Bishop
06 Jul 2023, 10:19
