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
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
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
Analysis
What happened to the most fearsome scrum in world rugby?
Argentina have historically built their game around the set-piece - but that's no longer the case.
Nick Bishop
04 Jul 2023, 8:18
Analysis
Emmanuel Meafou could have been a world-beater for the Wallabies
Emmanuel Meafou has been lost to Rugby Australia - and France look to be the beneficiaries.
Nick Bishop
01 Jul 2023, 14:11
Analysis
The All Blacks have found their blindside flanker
Scott Barrett could provide one of the last pieces of the puzzle for New Zealand.
Nick Bishop
27 Jun 2023, 11:08
Analysis
Have the Wallabies missed a trick omitting Tawera Kerr-Barlow?
Former All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow could add such key depth to the Wallabies' halfback stocks.
Nick Bishop
25 Jun 2023, 2:44
Analysis
Could the Wallabies successfully emulate the Brumbies' game plan?
A whole brood of truth-telling chickens came home to roost with the Brumbies’ loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Nick Bishop
22 Jun 2023, 16:52
Analysis
A tale of two 10s: Why Mo'unga is the man to lead the All Blacks
The Crusaders crushed the Blues in Christchurch and in the process underlined the claims of Richie Mo’unga to the NZ No 10 jerse…
Nick Bishop
19 Jun 2023, 15:06
Analysis
Can Tom Wright step up as a world-class fullback?
Is Tom Wright the man to wear No 15 for the Wallabies?
Nick Bishop
14 Jun 2023, 19:13
Analysis
Kiwi dominance a warning for both All Blacks and Wallabies
New Zealand's dominance of Super Rugby Pacific is bad news for the nations either side of the Tasman Sea.
Nick Bishop
12 Jun 2023, 12:49
Analysis
Australian rugby is its own worst enemy
Nobody can predict how any Australian sides will play from one week to the next.
Nick Bishop
07 Jun 2023, 9:04
Analysis
How greater exposure to foreign clubs could rejuvenate English rugby
The Premiership is under pressure from the burgeoning success of the URC and the Top 14.
Nick Bishop
05 Jun 2023, 8:33
Analysis
One last banquet awaits 'Guzzler' at the Rugby World Cup
Brodie Retallick has become relentless at the cleanout and in defensive contact, and especially good at disrupting the lineout.
Nick Bishop
03 Jun 2023, 10:59
Analysis
How top-of-the-table clash unearthed two World Cup bolters
No spot has caused both New Zealand and Australia more heartache in recent times than blindside flanker.
Nick Bishop
30 May 2023, 11:35
Analysis
Why the Wallabies cannot do without Will Skelton at the World Cup
Will Skelton has sent Eddie Jones a timely reminder of what Australian rugby is missing.
Nick Bishop
24 May 2023, 12:27
Analysis
How the Crusaders are preparing Will Jordan to wear No 15 for the All Blacks
The Crusaders are showing every sign of wanting to develop Will Jordan as a triple-threat fullback.
Nick Bishop
21 May 2023, 18:22
Analysis
Where the Reds identified a key weakness in the Chiefs' deadly attack
Despite a wealth of possession, the Chiefs struggled to penetrate the Reds' defence at Yarrow Stadium.
Nick Bishop
19 May 2023, 20:14
Analysis
Is Michael Hooper at risk of missing out on the World Cup?
Michael Hooper is struggling to find form in Super Rugby Pacific.
Nick Bishop
09 May 2023, 11:39
Analysis
Why Damian McKenzie still might not belong at No 10 for the All Blacks
Can Damian McKenzie be trusted as the All Blacks' primary playmaker?
Nick Bishop
05 May 2023, 19:14
