Analysis
world rugby u20 championship
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.
209 Articles
Latest
4 days ago The Rugby Championship
How 'gazelle' Nick Frost thawed the hearts of Wallaby fans at Suncorp
7 days ago International Rugby
Ireland and South Africa share the same player development dilemma
10 days ago The Rugby Championship
How can fraying Wallabies maul handle Springbok brawn?
11 days ago International Rugby
How Maro Itoje terrorised the All Blacks lineout
Analysis
Why decision-making must stay with the referee on the field, not the person in a room
South Africa's win over Ireland was arguably decided by the shifting power dynamic between the officials.
Nick Bishop
11 Jul 2024, 3:31
Analysis
Will Noah Lolesio be spat out of the Wallabies' revolving fly-half door?
Can the 24-year-old nail down his spot as Joe Schmidt's go-to man at number 10?
Nick Bishop
10 Jul 2024, 8:19
Analysis
How England's blitz ground All Blacks to a standstill
Steve Borthwick's defence flummoxed New Zealand during a period when they are normally so ruthless.
Nick Bishop
08 Jul 2024, 5:20
Analysis
How Wayne Smith's fingertips are all over New Zealand's 'Razor' blueprint
The iconic coaching sage will influence Scott Robertson's style of play as the Ian Foster playbook is ripped up.
Nick Bishop
02 Jul 2024, 16:12
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
Analysis
How England can shatter the All Blacks' Eden Park streak
Three decades have passed since a European team won at the Auckland stronghold, but England are good enough to make it happen.
Nick Bishop
17 Jun 2024, 3:24
Analysis
Why a Northampton Saints title was crucial for the Premiership
Phil Dowson's men are England's standard-bearers and play an attacking style which is so brilliantly marketable for the league.
Nick Bishop
11 Jun 2024, 3:55
Analysis
How the 'un-Australian' Brumbies are flying the flag in Super Rugby
Stephen Larkham's men play pragmatic stuff, but it has propelled them to another semi-final.
Nick Bishop
10 Jun 2024, 5:19
Analysis
Million-pound man Finn Russell is worth every penny to Bath
The once-flaky Scotland fly-half is running games with beautiful, ruthless efficiency as Bath seek an end to their Premiership dro…
Nick Bishop
06 Jun 2024, 9:14
Analysis
How can Rugby Australia fit five into four after Rebels' demise?
The governing body must do everything in its power to find domestic homes for the Rebels' soon-to-be-unemployed squad.
Nick Bishop
04 Jun 2024, 7:41
Analysis
Waratahs 'counter-culture' limits Wallaby options for Joe Schmidt
Darren Coleman's sacking is indicative of an unstable franchise which will concern the new Australia boss.
Nick Bishop
27 May 2024, 7:42
Analysis
Jack Willis' Champions Cup masterclass proves English eligibility rules need a rethink
Imagine what the burgeoning Toulouse tyro could do wearing the white jersey of his country.
Nick Bishop
28 May 2024, 16:07
Analysis
Why Auckland blue is primed to take over from Canterbury red and black
The Blues have the makings of a champion Super Rugby side, underpinned by two awesome wingers.
Nick Bishop
22 May 2024, 6:22
Analysis
How the line between forwards and backs is becoming a blur
Wallaby back-row Fraser McReight is the prototype of a player who can feature in or behind the scrum.
Nick Bishop
20 May 2024, 8:16
Analysis
Why iron-willed Owen Farrell is still one of the world's best
The Saracen may soon be lost to England duty, but remains a bristling string-puller at the highest level.
Nick Bishop
15 May 2024, 5:13
Exclusive
Geoff Parling: 'Australian players are realising they can live with these Kiwis'
The new Wallaby lineout guru with the sharp tactical brain hopes to carry Super Rugby confidence to the Test arena.
Nick Bishop
13 May 2024, 7:16
Analysis
Why European rugby is in danger of death-by-monopoly
The emergence of three super clubs may threaten the Investec Champions Cup, but there is a solution.
Nick Bishop
10 May 2024, 4:47
