Analysis
International Rugby
Tom Hooper is the missing 'monster' in Australia's back-row puzzle for the Rugby World Cup
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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.
442 Articles
Latest
International Rugby
'The All Blacks are asking South Africa all the questions that matter'
476
6 days ago
International Rugby
How the All Blacks mastered Kennedy Tsimba's 'shift theory' in Joburg
129
10 days ago
International Rugby
'Dominance does not mean victory for chastened Springboks'
673
13 days ago
International Rugby
Who is best equipped to strike first in Greatest Rivalry showdown?
298
17 days ago
Analysis
Regarding Henry: Why Australian rugby has a new centre of attention
Isaac Henry's display against Japan proved that other brands than Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i are available for the Wallabies' No.…
Nick Bishop
17 Aug 2026, 2:00
224
Analysis
Shifting sands in the game - Kennedy Tsimba’s ‘shift theory’: Part one
The All Blacks will play the Bulls who have, in coach Kennedy Tsimba, a visionary who has evolved the game in South Africa
Nick Bishop
14 Aug 2026, 0:18
131
Analysis
Why Rassie will be happier than Rennie with early omens of Greatest Rivalry tour
A stop-start, set-piece-based game like the Stormers tour opener will not suit the All Blacks if the pattern extends into the Test…
Nick Bishop
11 Aug 2026, 6:19
374
Analysis
'The phoney war on the Greatest Rivalry tour is already gale-force in its intensity.'
A clash of styles is at the heart of The Greatest Rivalry and whoever prevails will set the tone for the short-term future of rugb…
Nick Bishop
11 Aug 2026, 1:56
268
Analysis
The data shows Dave Rennie's All Blacks can test the all-conquering Springboks to the max
The Nations Championship statistics show a drastic change in New Zealand's game plan - one South Africa must work hard to contain.
Nick Bishop
30 Jul 2026, 4:47
557
Analysis
Joe Schmidt bows out on a high - but can the Wallabies escape 'the twilight zone'?
The coach steps aside having made admirable progress across Australian rugby, but there is much to be done ahead of a home World C…
Nick Bishop
22 Jul 2026, 10:28
308
Analysis
Contest or no contest? The eternal struggle between the Springboks and All Blacks
As Dave Rennie's new attacking ethos takes shape, Rassie Erasmus wants to ensure the grunt and skill of a true set-piece battle do…
Nick Bishop
20 Jul 2026, 10:07
890
Analysis
Did Scotland show Dave Rennie's All Blacks how to beat the Boks?
South Africa didn’t lose but the way Scotland breached their defence has given the New Zealand coach an invaluable template for …
Nick Bishop
15 Jul 2026, 0:36
287
Analysis
How France ran Australia off their feet at the Suncorp
Fabien Galthie's men produced a blistering second half to douse any hopes of a home win for the Wallabies.
Nick Bishop
14 Jul 2026, 2:25
395
Analysis
Borthwick's England battle, tactical fog and familiar flaws
As they fell to a fifth straight defeat by the rampant Springboks, England's traditional areas of strength are bearing no fruit.
Nick Bishop
07 Jul 2026, 22:54
204
Analysis
How rugby found its 'lightbulb moment' in the Nations Championship opener
The cracker in Christchurch not only raised the curtain on the Nations Championship, it showed the way for Test rugby.
Nick Bishop
06 Jul 2026, 5:48
380
Analysis
England have come for a fight: this is how they can turn the odds on the Springboks
While some Bok fans are predicting an English humiliation, Rassie Erasmus is all too aware of the threats the tourists pose his wo…
Nick Bishop
03 Jul 2026, 1:27
132
Analysis
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'
A Six Nations statistical deep dive suggests the European nations are no longer trailing their Rugby Championship counterparts.
Nick Bishop
01 Jul 2026, 1:42
306
Analysis
Bench injured Dupont in November? How can France solve their play-making paradox?
Fabien Galthie must find a blend between Top 14 winners Toulouse and European champions Bordeaux-Begles to conquer the Springboks …
Nick Bishop
29 Jun 2026, 11:10
175
Analysis
Another emotional chapter is about to be written in the history of New Zealand v France
With his champion Bordeaux-Begles players available, Fabien Galthie is leading a far stronger, and highly motivated, group to Chri…
Nick Bishop
25 Jun 2026, 16:30
398
Analysis
Does one size really fit all in the Wallabies second row?
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto's omission from their latest squad suggests the impact of the 'very big men' is under-valued in Australia.
Nick Bishop
22 Jun 2026, 13:40
411
Analysis
Why the best come to play when it really matters - and are empowered to do so
'Foresight analysis’ and 'tactical periodization' both came to the fore in how players stepped up in semi-finals of the English …
Nick Bishop
17 Jun 2026, 4:25
200
Analysis
‘Selection is everything. Borthwick’s England needs to reflect the character of the league the players are drawn from’
England need to tailor their selection to reflect how players are used to at their Prem teams... and 'add a little taste of spicy …
Nick Bishop
15 Jun 2026, 7:26
249
Analysis
Ireland or New Zealand? Who is really South Africa’s greatest rugby rival?
The testy triangle between the Springboks, All Blacks and Ireland will be alive and well for some time to come.
Nick Bishop
10 Jun 2026, 3:56
495
Analysis
Is the magic thread of Super Rugby in need of a new pattern?
With New Zealand sides predictably dominating the latter stages again, is the current iteration of Super Rugby Pacific in need of …
Nick Bishop
08 Jun 2026, 13:15
576
