'Mack the knife' in Dublin and Braveheart Scots: In-depth Six Nations analysis
It was just another weekend in the Six Nations – one full of bellowing tribalism and nerve-shredding theatre. No more so than in Edinburgh,…
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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 consultant to Stuart Lancaster and the Leinster coaching staff for their European and Pro 14 playoff matches. Leinster achieved the double of European Champions Cup and Pro 14 league winners in 2018. They repeated their Pro 14 win in 2019 and finished runners-up to Saracens in Europe.
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It was just another weekend in the Six Nations – one full of bellowing tribalism and nerve-shredding theatre. No more so than in Edinburgh,…
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It is just one aspect when you get two teams from very diff cultures W. There will be a host of ‘exams’ for both teams in areas of the game that might not be so stringently tested in the local game.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
I wonder if he has a voice in his ear, whom he trusts, that can impart this kind feedback Soap?
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
He’s got a stubby torso so can bring them up further….
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
There’s pretty good depth there with Bell, HJH, Holz, Ruan and Tet.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Lots of backrowers like that now Muzz, and some (like Grace) can even handle second row too. Maro and Courtney Lawes both play second row like a top line 6.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
I think Richie was the best captain/number 7 combo, whether he was better than George Smith as a pure 7 very open to question!
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Yes I remember the Bizzy-Smith debate, and they went back to Smit at 2 pretty quickly after the 2009 Lions series…
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
And resplendent in a red hat to boot!
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
I don’t know Ken. Are you trying to make something clearer with analogies, or muddy the waters?
If DC is one of those book-laden coaches, he’s doing a good job of translating knowledge on the field isn’t he? BT was between the buttocks, but finding life v NZ not as easy.
So, which is the better background for a coach??
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
You’re hanging loose today then? Very dangerous indeed. 😊
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Yes Williams also made a meaningful contribution off the pine, I look forward to seeing more of him.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Before you said ‘Quade’ I was getting a bit worried there Ken!… I thought there might be paparazzo/a hiding behind the arras.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
They usually are TLN. 👍
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Have you thought of writing an article Ken? Tony! 😁
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Some kind of kick-starter is needed, considering Brad himself has said that the Reds tageted the NZ part of the comp this season.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
No but he was an outstanding talent at u 20’s level. The Irish boys came back humming about him apparently!
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
The Welsh love to share a bit of emotional warmth Peter – you cannot walk down the road without tipping the hat to, and being greeted by, others you do not know at all. Very diff to South East of England in that respect. The Welsh will welcome you in and make you feel like one of their own.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
I recall him switching between 10 and 15 constantly and never really settling, then suddenly dropping out of the picture for no apparent reason….
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Not all good number 7’s come from Aotearoa Muzz. Josh van der Flier a great example, who is up for one of the Player of the Year awards over here… He has become a great player in the last two seasons.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
If you’re talking open sides Muzz, only Bill Harmon and Ethan Blackadder of those you mention qualify. I’d say that on this season’s form, Gamble is certainly on the Blackadder level. 👍
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?
Wow that sounds like a big news item Bob – thanks.
ANALYSIS: Are the NSW Waratahs better than the Queensland Reds?