ANALYSIS
Joe Schmidt can lead Wallabies' reclamation - but only if Australia lets him
Aussie rugby needs clarity, and if a New Zealander is the man to deliver it, then so what?
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 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”. Nick is currently working as a strategy and analysis consultant to Stuart Lancaster. He has also performed consultancy work for Super Rugby coaches in Australia over the past couple of seasons.
ANALYSIS
'The bigger the behemoth, the closer to silverware you get'
Emmanuel Meafou is the latest next-level bruiser primed to hit the Test stage.
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Leinster's seismic tactical shift could bring philosophical turbulence for Ireland
Jacques Nienaber's arrival could spark a major change in Leinster - and Ireland's - approach.
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Eddie Jones: coaching genius or court jester?
The returning Japan supremo works in a world of lightning speed and sudden contradiction.
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'Exeter Chiefs represent the straight-shooting honesty of English rugby'
Rob Baxter's model showed the way on a huge Champions Cup weekend for English clubs.
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Why Dan McKellar has found a second home at Welford Road
The Wallabies are reeling from the high-profile defection of Mark Nawaqanitawase but the progress of Dan McKellar should soften th…
ANALYSIS
A rivalry for the ages : why Ireland and South Africa can lead a new world order
Battles between these two rugby powerhouses are set to dominate the landscape at club and Test level.
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'Owen Farrell is another prophet railroaded out of his own land - who can replace him?'
Will George Ford or Marcus Smith fill the void left by the England totem?
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Why Miles Amatosero can be the Wallabies' next Will Skelton
The Clermont juggernaut is returning to Australia and could spark a much-needed recruitment drive.
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Cutting-edge coaching underlines Red Roses' supremacy
New Zealand's World Cup triumph should not mask the true order of the women's game.
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Leicester and Saracens show the way for risk-averse England
Steve Borthwick will not relinquish a conservative game plan as long as England's 'old firm' dominate domestically.
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'It's do-or-die for Australian rugby as Lions loom'
Battling controversy and disinterest, the game Down Under faces a make-or-break year.
ANALYSIS
Henry Arundell can be England's new Jason Robinson
The tyro's electric Racing 92 debut only underlined his vast international potential.
Why Fiji are poised to strike at the new Nations Championship
The Flying Fijians have already shown they could develop into powerhouses of the world game.
ANALYSIS
How England can ride the World Cup wave to Six Nations success
The Six Nations is a very different beast to the World Cup and England fans will demand not just wins, but wins with style.
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Why the Wallabies were always destined to fail
Lack of experience proved the decisive factor in a disastrous 2023 for the Wallabies.
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How Pieter-Steph du Toit led the Springboks to another World Cup title
South Africa, with Pieter-Steph du Toit leading the way, has again proven itself the biggest and baddest beast on the planet.
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Will All Blacks or Springboks taste World Cup glory at Stade de France?
The equation is simple for the All Blacks and Springboks on Saturday night: dominate the opening exchanges.
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What the All Blacks will have learned from Springboks' set-piece battle
Until the last half-hour of their semi-final with South Africa, England won the tactical battle hands-down.
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How England can exorcise the Springboks ghosts of 2019
England will not have to look far to discover their extra motivational edge for their RWC semi-final against South Africa.
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How Ireland won the battle but the All Blacks won the war
If there was a Trojan Horse at play on Saturday night, it was the secret unveiling of the New Zealand scramble defence.
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Why Springboks are better prepared than All Blacks for French onslaught
The notion that the All Blacks are trying to play a faster, more fluid and dynamic game than everyone else is outdated.
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Why Ireland are in the best possible position to pip the All Blacks in Paris
Against Scotland, Ireland gave some strong clues as to why they are such a resourceful and cohesive bunch.
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Eddie Jones isn't the main issue with the Wallabies coaching set-up
Eddie Jones' assistant coaches simply aren't up to the level required.
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Why All Blacks' near-century won't have Ireland or South Africa sweating
The All Blacks' 79-point win over Italy confirmed what New Zealand's main rivals already know.
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Chaos reigns: The Wallabies must start again from square one
No more pretence, no more stories - accept the rubble around you, and look at the ruins until it hurts.
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How Ireland outplayed South Africa to claim ‘the Battle of the Giants’
Ireland were the masters of the tackle and breakdown at the Stade de France in their clash with the Springboks.
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Ireland have replaced All Blacks as the world's smartest attacking team
While there has always been respect, and grudging admiration for physicality and set-piece excellence, what really wakes New Zeala…
ANALYSIS
How Fiji left the Wallabies shell-shocked and issued a World Cup warning
Australia lost all the pure power contests that the game has to offer against Fiji in Saint-Etienne, and that was all she wrote.
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Make no mistakes, defence will win the Rugby World Cup
Despite global trends favouring possession rugby, defence came out well in credit at the end of the first round of matches at the …
ANALYSIS
Why England can still be a force to be reckoned with
England took the most definitive stride forward on the first weekend of the Rugby World Cup.
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The All Blacks won't win if they're not playing on their own terms
Literally and figuratively, the All Blacks played France on Les Bleus' battleground of choice.
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How All Blacks can upset the apple cart and stun French rivals in Paris
A sizeable loss to South Africa could pave the way for an All Blacks victory in the World Cup opener.
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Samoan marauders ready to break loose at Rugby World Cup
Bolstered by set-piece nous and returning All Blacks, Samoa can put together a compelling all-round game
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'Churchillian spirit may be all Borthwick can promise England'
Blood, sweat and tears may be all Steve Borthwick can offer England after another setback
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More questions than answers for 'destabilised' Wallabies
Australia's travails only sharpen the questions over the timing of Eddie Jones' appointment
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South Africa's brawn-plus-brain puts rugby world on red alert
Anything New Zealand could do, the Springboks did better in Friday's Twickenham rout.
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Are the three wise men regretting their jobs?
Can Steve Borthwick, Warren Gatland and Eddie Jones bake a World Cup cake with crumbs?
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'Do England really know where they are going?'
Another Dublin drubbing brought England's agonising travails into even sharper focus.
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'England are in a Rugby World Cup prison of their own making'
Steve Borthwick's selections have heaped pressure on Owen Farrell and straitjacketed the England attack.
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How Ireland and Scotland's possession punches could stymie the Springboks
South Africans are right to be nervous about the northern nations' possession power.
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Why Scott is the All Blacks' most important Barrett
He may have two illustrious siblings, but Scott Barrett is the most crucial brother to New Zealand's World Cup hopes.
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The Wallabies' prop woes have Rugby World Cup rivals licking their lips
Losing two premier tight-head props will have Australia scrambling at scrum time in France.
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Has the penny dropped in time for Eddie Jones and Australia?
A tactical U-turn from Eddie Jones may have dramatically boosted Australia's World Cup prospects.
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Why the Jones era has gotten off to the worst possible start for Wallabies
Australia were well and truly beaten in every facet that counts in their winless Rugby Championship campaign.
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How breakdown fury can boost Australia's odds against All Blacks
The breakdown needs to be a contest in Melbourne if the Wallabies want to have any chance of besting the All Blacks.
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Why there's already reason to believe in Eddie Jones' Wallabies
On the evidence of two matches, the Wallabies tight five could quick become a major force in world rugby.
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How the All Blacks ball runners bested the Springboks at their own game
The Springboks' ball carriers and ball players were well and truly shown up by their All Blacks opposition at Mount Smart.
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Why Eddie Jones' doomed Wallabies keep repeating history
The great Australian ball-retention tradition is being avidly dismantled by one of its biggest former advocates.
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The All Blacks have discovered an attacking spine and a new backbone
Between a rugged set-piece and some hard running in the midfield, the All Blacks have found a shape for the future.
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Boks masterclass highlighted why new Wallabies tactics are off the mark
The Wallabies game-plan dragged the character of play away from the strengths of Australia’s key players like a vicious rip-tide…
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How French demigods will replicate the U20s to dominate All Blacks
The Under 20s World Championship has become another precious tool for evaluation.
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What happened to the most fearsome scrum in world rugby?
Argentina have historically built their game around the set-piece - but that's no longer the case.
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Emmanuel Meafou could have been a world-beater for the Wallabies
Emmanuel Meafou has been lost to Rugby Australia - and France look to be the beneficiaries.
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The All Blacks have found their blindside flanker
Scott Barrett could provide one of the last pieces of the puzzle for New Zealand.
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Have the Wallabies missed a trick omitting Tawera Kerr-Barlow?
Former All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow could add such key depth to the Wallabies' halfback stocks.
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Could the Wallabies successfully emulate the Brumbies' game plan?
A whole brood of truth-telling chickens came home to roost with the Brumbies’ loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton.
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A tale of two 10s: Why Mo'unga is the man to lead the All Blacks
The Crusaders crushed the Blues in Christchurch and in the process underlined the claims of Richie Mo’unga to the NZ No 10 jerse…
ANALYSIS
Can Tom Wright step up as a world-class fullback?
Is Tom Wright the man to wear No 15 for the Wallabies?
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Kiwi dominance a warning for both All Blacks and Wallabies
New Zealand's dominance of Super Rugby Pacific is bad news for the nations either side of the Tasman Sea.
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Australian rugby is its own worst enemy
Nobody can predict how any Australian sides will play from one week to the next.
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How greater exposure to foreign clubs could rejuvenate English rugby
The Premiership is under pressure from the burgeoning success of the URC and the Top 14.
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One last banquet awaits 'Guzzler' at the Rugby World Cup
Brodie Retallick has become relentless at the cleanout and in defensive contact, and especially good at disrupting the lineout.
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How top-of-the-table clash unearthed two World Cup bolters
No spot has caused both New Zealand and Australia more heartache in recent times than blindside flanker.
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Why the Wallabies cannot do without Will Skelton at the World Cup
Will Skelton has sent Eddie Jones a timely reminder of what Australian rugby is missing.
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How the Crusaders are preparing Will Jordan to wear No 15 for the All Blacks
The Crusaders are showing every sign of wanting to develop Will Jordan as a triple-threat fullback.
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Where the Reds identified a key weakness in the Chiefs' deadly attack
Despite a wealth of possession, the Chiefs struggled to penetrate the Reds' defence at Yarrow Stadium.
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Is Michael Hooper at risk of missing out on the World Cup?
Michael Hooper is struggling to find form in Super Rugby Pacific.
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Why Damian McKenzie still might not belong at No 10 for the All Blacks
Can Damian McKenzie be trusted as the All Blacks' primary playmaker?
ANALYSIS
The midfielder who could have proved the difference for the All Blacks
One offshore-based midfielder could have been a lynchpin for the All Blacks.
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Cam Roigard is perfect for the All Blacks’ World Cup campaign
There are not many success stories among scrumhalves over six feet tall. Cam Roigard could be the exception.
ANALYSIS
Will size really matter in Eddie Jones' first Wallabies back row?
Eddie Jones has a number of permutations to consider in the Wallabies loose forwards.
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Why the Premiership clubs can no longer compete with Europe's finest
Greater endeavour on attack has not proven profitable for Premiership clubs in the Champions Cup.
ANALYSIS
Will foreign talent help Australia prepare for the Lions in 2025?
Competitive midweek games would be a welcome addition to the 2025 Lions tour.
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How NZ's premier props showcased the future of the scrum battle
Two All Blacks props went to battle in Dunedin and the result was remarkable.
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Why Tate McDermott has fallen down the Wallabies No 9 pecking order
Nic White and Ryan Lonergan are Eddie Jones' preferred halfbacks for Australia.
How South Africa has added a cutting edge to rugby in Europe
The arrival of the four sides from South Africa has proven to be a game-changer in Europe.
ANALYSIS
Is Jed Holloway the man to fix Australia's lineout woes?
One of Eddie Jones' first tasks will be righting the Wallabies lineout.
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Why Eddie Jones is off the mark about the Wallabies' new tactics
Possession-based rugby is alive and well - perhaps just not in Australia.
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Time's running out as the Roger Tuivasa-Sheck debate rages on
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck might not be the best No 12 in Auckland, let alone New Zealand.
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Why Carter Gordon might just be the Wallabies' last hope
Carter Gordon has made a promising start to the Super Rugby Pacific season.
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The major concern for Wales and England ahead of the World Cup
Wales and England might regret stepping onto the coaching merry-go-round.
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What makes the 'new Ireland' so unbreakable?
Ireland, like all champion teams, are able to adapt under pressure.
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Why Noah Lolesio could be on the cusp of seizing Australia's No 10 jersey
There are already distinct signs that Stephen Larkham’s tutelage is bearing fruit for Noah Lolesio.
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How France's kicking masterclass eliminated England's deadliest weapon
Freddie Steward has been lethal for England recently, so France kicked him out of Le Crunch.
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How the selection of Ollie Lawrence has 'solved' England's No 10 conundrum
Whoever wears No 10 for England, they will perform better with Ollie Lawrence outside them.
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Can Eddie Jones find a way for broken Wallabies to beat All Blacks?
Australian players are habitual losers when faced with Kiwi opposition.
ANALYSIS
The strategic shift behind Finn Russell's Scotland comeback
Finn Russell's turn of form with Scotland has not happened by chance.
ANALYSIS
Why Wayne Smith is incorrect about the rolling maul
The rolling maul isn't quite the weapon Wayne Smith makes it out to be.
ANALYSIS
How Ireland and Scotland exposed the latest trend in rugby defences
Rugby league defence coaches have become all the rage in the Six Nations - but they'll have to rethink their strategies.
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Why Steve Borthwick must call time on England's playmaking experiment
The analysis doesn't lie; it's time for Steve Borthwick to ditch the Smith-Farrell axis.
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Where Warren Gatland's Wales are poised to do the most damage
The best single unit in the Wales side is the formidable back row.
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Seismic defensive shifts are on the horizon with new tackle laws
Rugby defences are going to have to make big changes with the new tackle laws.
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Eddie Jones' big Wallabies challenge following England jilting
Sacking Eddie Jones could come back to bite the RFU at the Rugby World Cup.
ANALYSIS
Has the England job come too early for Steve Borthwick?
Leicester's dominance has slipped following an exceptional 2021-22 season.
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Why Warren Gatland's second tenure with Wales won't be so easy
Warren Gatland has to find some tight forwards, and he has to find them in a hurry.
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The three fixable factors behind Eddie Jones' England stagnation
Eddie Jones' England weren't far away from making the grade.
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All Blacks implosion: What really happened at Twickenham
The All Blacks simply didn't adjust to the changes that were happening on the field.
ANALYSIS
The return of Dalton Papali'i puts Sam Cane's spot in jeopardy
Sam Cane might be the All Blacks captain but Dalton Papali'i could be the No 7 they need.
ANALYSIS
Have Saracens reminded Eddie Jones what England have been missing?
Saracens have hauled themselves back into the spotlight of England selection by transforming their style of play.
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Premiership's on-field riches can't hide off-field rags
The Premiership is going from strength to strength on the field but things are a different story off the park.
ANALYSIS
Will the Black Ferns be bullied by the Red Roses?
The Black Ferns still have lots of ground to make up on their English and French rivals.
ANALYSIS
The All Blacks have found their No 12 - and must stick with him
Jordie Barrett is the answer to the All Blacks' problems in the midfield.
ANALYSIS
The All Blacks can't afford to lose Ardie Savea
Ardie Savea's absence against the Wallabies left a big hole in the All Blacks loose forwards.
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How the north have gained parity and taken control of the rugby world
The raw stats tell a very different story from the tale they would have narrated 20 years ago.
ANALYSIS
Can Schmidt lead All Blacks to promised land after Christchurch crisis?
It may take All Blacks players and fans some time to get used to Joe Schmidt's new approach.
ANALYSIS
Have the Springboks stumbled upon their World Cup backline?
Jacques Nienaber may have inadvertently uncovered his best backline at Ellis Park.
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The two changes that elevated the All Blacks at Ellis Park
The All Blacks took their game up a level against the Springboks in Johannesburg.
ANALYSIS
All Blacks back row desperate for a shake-up
Has the time come to make a big change in the All Blacks loose forwards?
ANALYSIS
It's not X-factor the All Blacks are desperate for in the midfield
For the last six years, the All Blacks have seemingly erred away from technical skills in favour of X-factor.
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Burned by Beirne: Is the All Blacks engine room coming off the rails?
The selection of tough, mobile second rows has always been a point of difference in New Zealand’s favour - until now.
ANALYSIS
Has Ian Foster reached the tipping point as All Blacks coach?
Was the lack of foresight from the All Blacks in their second test with Ireland the death knell for the coach?
ANALYSIS
Is England's Marcus Smith-Owen Farrell axis doomed to fail?
Marcus Smith's and Owen Farrell's individual strengths aren't necessarily going to synergise for England.
ANALYSIS
Lineout-dismantler Cullen Grace can't be ignored by the All Blacks
Cullen Grace could be the man best-suited to fill Kieran Read's boots in the All Blacks.
ANALYSIS
Oppressive defence bites back as finals rugby arrives
After a period typified by free-flowing, attacking rugby, resolute defence has taken over in 2022.
ANALYSIS
Ireland's Kiwis set to remind All Blacks what they're missing
Ireland's New Zealand-born stars weren't finished products when they arrived in the Emerald Isle - but they are now.
ANALYSIS
How Joe Schmidt will make his mark on All Blacks
Joe Schmidt is not the kind of coach to take a 'hands off' approach to his work.
ANALYSIS
Will the Premiership go to war with the URC?
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…
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.
ANALYSIS
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?
ANALYSIS
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.
