Analysis
The revitalised Australians are pushing a Super Rugby revival
Super Rugby may be 'shrinking to glory', and the Australians are the driving force behind an enticing new season.
Nick Bishop
05 Mar 2025, 16:32
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
How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations
Shorn of their greatest talent, Les Bleus eviscerated their fancied hosts with a blend of power and panache, raising questions abo…
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Analysis
Will Vern Cotter succumb to second season Blues in Auckland?
'Stern Vern' has infused the champions with renewed steel, but can he continue to steer the franchise onwards?
Nick Bishop
05 Mar 2025, 16:32
Analysis
How law changes are speeding up the game - but the scrum lags behind
World Rugby has made great strides with recent tweaks to the lawbook, but scrums remain a major 'time-loser'.
Nick Bishop
13 Jan 2025, 3:23
Analysis
Should Tom Willis start for England in the Six Nations?
The Saracens number eight has been in irrepressible domestic form, but does he suit Steve Borthwick's game plan?
Nick Bishop
08 Jan 2025, 8:11
Analysis
Can Leicester Fainga'anuku play centre for the All Blacks?
Having undergone a French makeover at Toulon, the powerhouse back could be the ideal candidate at outside centre.
Nick Bishop
06 Jan 2025, 16:33
Analysis
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions
Concentrating talent across a quartet of franchises could bolster Australian rugby from the ground up.
Nick Bishop
06 Jan 2025, 3:49
Analysis
The future of rugby: Sale and Leinster mount the case for the defence
After the Black Ferns and Bristol Bears set the tactical tone, the English and Irish juggernauts offer a bruising rebuttal.
Nick Bishop
01 Jan 2025, 3:36
Analysis
The Fergus Burke test and rugby's free market
Eligible for New Zealand, England and Scotland, the new Saracens playmaker may have a big decision ahead.
Nick Bishop
31 Dec 2024, 8:36
Analysis
What is the future of rugby in 2025?
Can Bristol Bears' irresistible all-court attack point the way for rugby in the next 12 months?
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23 Dec 2024, 5:15
Analysis
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?
Enforced rotation, poor results, and logistical and political issues have raised questions over the viability of South African Cha…
Nick Bishop
19 Dec 2024, 5:54
Analysis
Does the next Wallabies coach have to be an Australian?
Should Joe Schmidt step aside after the Lions tour, is there a home-grown coach ready to take on the full weight of responsibility…
Nick Bishop
17 Dec 2024, 12:15
Analysis
All Blacks report card: Are Razor's troops heading in the right direction?
'Big nine' Cam Roigard may redefine the New Zealand backline but Scott Robertson has political and tactical quandaries to ponder.
Nick Bishop
30 Nov 2024, 2:34
Analysis
'Razor's conservatism is in danger of halting New Zealand's progress'
Scott Robertson, highly untypical of New Zealand's approach, has taken a risk-averse view of selection.
Nick Bishop
10 Dec 2024, 15:57
Analysis
Will overseas selection make the difference for British and Irish Lions?
Owen Farrell, Jack Willis and Courtney Lawes would add handsomely to the 2025 tourists - but will they get the opportunity?
Nick Bishop
09 Dec 2024, 8:54
Analysis
South Africa's 'universal soldier' typifies the Boks' rise to the summit of world rugby
Franco Mostert is Rassie Erasmus' all-conquering Bokke in microcosm - from despair to domination.
Nick Bishop
05 Dec 2024, 9:07
Analysis
Will Joe Schmidt provide the Christmas gift Australian fans crave?
The Wallaby supremo is only signed up through to 2025, but how the Aussie rugby community would love him to stay for the home Worl…
Nick Bishop
02 Dec 2024, 16:20
Analysis
Why the Wallabies' Murrayfield munching offered a worrying glimpse of the Lions showdown
Australian defence is not improving at the same rate as its attack, and Scotland's lethal midfield axis exposed the flaws.
Nick Bishop
27 Nov 2024, 8:40
Analysis
'Welsh regional rugby has failed conclusively and there is no way back'
The ballad of Archie Griffin and the sorry state of the four regions underscore the need for a revamp across the Welsh game.
Nick Bishop
26 Nov 2024, 3:10
Analysis
Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones
The Irishman's abrupt departure left his players reeling and confused about their new rearguard action.
Nick Bishop
21 Nov 2024, 5:05
