Analysis
International Rugby
Shifting sands in the game - Kennedy Tsimba’s ‘shift theory’: Part one
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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.
436 Articles
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Contest or no contest? The eternal struggle between the Springboks and All Blacks
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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 …
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287
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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, 4:25
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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
08 Jul 2026, 0:54
204
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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, 7:48
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, 3:27
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, 3:42
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, 13:10
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, 18:30
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, 15:40
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, 6:25
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, 9:26
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, 5:56
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, 15:15
576
Analysis
Is defence going out of fashion? 'The trick now is how quickly you stop the bleeding'
Scoring is the name of the game, which is moving beyond defence coaches at an alarming rate of knots.
Nick Bishop
02 Jun 2026, 10:06
264
Analysis
‘Love’s growing highlights reel underlines what the All Blacks have been missing in Mo’unga's absence’
Dave Rennie may find a back-door route for Richie Mo'unga to be involved against South Africa, but in Ruben Love he has a No.10 in…
Nick Bishop
01 Jun 2026, 12:32
280
Analysis
France has conquered and reconquered Europe. Can it reach its Mount Everest?
With their club teams so dominant in Europe and France Six Nations champions, can Fabien Galthié translate that into World Cup su…
Nick Bishop
27 May 2026, 2:33
622
Analysis
Can Australia look to the greats of yesteryear to kickstart the next generation of innovation?
The Australian ecosystem needs to take inspiration from the thought-leaders of yesteryear as it battles to capture hearts, minds a…
Nick Bishop
26 May 2026, 6:17
289
Analysis
Is the Prem becoming 'like basketball - without the tackling?'
The Gallagher Prem has become obsessed with attack, perhaps to the detriment of England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Nick Bishop
20 May 2026, 9:00
157
Analysis
Sir Graham Henry is the All Blacks' new kingmaker - and lords of the scrum high on his agenda
A month shy of his 80th birthday, Henry returns to the All Blacks fold as one of Dave Rennie's selectors - and the Springbok scrum…
Nick Bishop
18 May 2026, 11:23
446
