ANALYSIS
Why defending was easier for Ireland than the All Blacks
Ireland utilised their numbers in defence far more efficiently than the All Blacks.
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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
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.
