ANALYSIS
England must embrace attacking flair of young firecrackers
When young Henry Arundell’s length-of-the-field try against Toulon went viral, something in the stratum of English rugby began t…
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Nick Bishop Nick Bishop has worked as a rugby analyst and advisor to Graham Henry (1999-2003), Mike Ruddock (2004-2005) and most recently Stuart Lancaster (2011-2015). He also worked on the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia and produced his first rugby book with Graham Henry at the end of the tour. Three more rugby books have followed, all of which of have either been nominated for or won national sports book awards. Nick’s latest is a biography of Phil Larder, the first top Rugby League coach to successfully transfer over to Union, entitled “The Iron Curtain”. He is currently writing articles for The Roar and The Rugby Site, and working as a strategy & analysis consultant to Stuart Lancaster and the Leinster coaching staff for their European and Pro 14 playoff matches. He has also performed consultancy work for Super Rugby coaches in Australia over the past couple of seasons.
ANALYSIS
There can be no substitute for power in the All Blacks midfield
The All Blacks need a big body in the midfield if they want to succeed at next year's World Cup.
FREE READ
Should England relax its overseas eligibility rule for Zach Mercer?
Maybe it's time for England to start peeping over the parapet of national boundaries into the big world beyond.
ANALYSIS
The foundation of the All Blacks' defence is breaking down
The bedrock of the modern All Blacks - and therefore, their defence - has always been the Crusaders.
ANALYSIS
Ireland v France: Is it better to play with or without the ball?
France and Ireland have adopted very different strategies throughout this year's Six Nations championship.
ANALYSIS
Six Nations highlights changes needed for the modern scrum
As a platform for constructive play, the scrum has become an afterthought.
ANALYSIS
Does Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have the makings of a test midfielder?
Where will Roger Tuivasa-Sheck need to grow to become an All Blacks candidate?
ANALYSIS
How England's exploits shut down the Wales lineout
England made the most of some lax refereeing in their win over Wales at Twickenham.
ANALYSIS
How Shaun Edwards' France have gained the upper hand on defence
Shaun Edwards has led a defensive revolution with Les Bleus.
ANALYSIS
Why did England's attack struggle in the Calcutta Cup?
England, normally so efficient on attack, struggled to crack the Scottish defence in Edinburgh.
ANALYSIS
Is the Ireland rugby economy in a boom?
The Irish provinces have shown their potency in the Champions Cup.
ANALYSIS
How can Eddie Jones get the best out of Tom Curry?
Will Eddie Jones continue to employ Tom Curry in the No 8 jersey in 2022?
ANALYSIS
Forward thinking behind Leicester's transformation
Maybe, just maybe, the good old days of the ABC club are returning at Welford Road.
England's rivalry with New Zealand has grown on all fronts
Both the All Blacks and Black Ferns will be looking for revenge against England in 2022.
ANALYSIS
Spoilers of old helping Irish provinces set the pace in Europe
Will Ireland prove the spanner in the EPCR works for England and France?
FREE READ
How France channeled England to best All Blacks
France, like England, showed the tactics needed to beat the All Blacks.
ANALYSIS
Why defending was easier for Ireland than the All Blacks
Ireland utilised their numbers in defence far more efficiently than the All Blacks.
ANALYSIS
Ellis Jenkins' return highlights Wales' exceptional No 7 depth
Ellis Jenkins' return to test rugby adds another exceptional openside flanker to Wales' stocks.
ANALYSIS
The time has come for Eddie Jones to make a pivotal call
Eddie Jones has to make a choice between the old heads and the young blood.
ANALYSIS
Why the All Blacks couldn't crack the Springboks defence
The All Blacks needed to have been smarter to break down the Springboks' defence.
ANALYSIS
Samisoni Taukei'aho brings pure power to the All Blacks front row
Analysis: The All Blacks' newest hooker is making waves both around the park and in the engine room.
ANALYSIS
Anton Lienert-Brown following in footsteps of Conrad Smith
Analysis: The All Blacks aren't likely to again rely on an out-of-position centre at the next World Cup.
Springboks' not-so-secret weapon a huge test for All Blacks
When the All Blacks and Springboks clash, the lineout could decide who emerges victorious.
Have the All Blacks found their long-term loose trio?
Analysis: The current trio of All Blacks loosies complement one another's games.
Sluggish play in Lions series a product of wild west breakdown
Analysis: Rassie Erasmus' public criticism has harmed the breakdown officiating in the Lions series.
Great Duane's absence a glaring issue for Springboks
Analysis: There's one man who's absence was keenly felt by the Springboks in their loss to the Lions.
Fiji's major France-honed advantage over the All Blacks
Analysis: The All Blacks were absolutely demolished at the breakdown in their first test with Fiji.
Adding blitz to rugby's last bastion of slow ball
Analysis: While breakdowns are getting faster, the scrum mostly remains stuck in rugby's dark ages.
