How Australia used rugby league to tackle China’s Pacific power play
Geopolitics is a tough game but by getting Papua New Guinea on side, Canberra has shown the NRL is up to the task
Matt Williams: Ulster’s decision to run up the white flag a bleak day for Irish rugby
The title ‘Champions Cup’ is a sham when the competition structure allows clubs to not select their best players yet still progress deeper into the competition
Matt Williams: Autumn games showed the huge task ahead for Simon Easterby and Ireland
South Africa were the best team of the Autumn Internationals, while Ireland’s attacking game needs some retooling
Matt Williams: While Australia lost its identity, Ireland were making all the right moves
After mismanagement of the domestic game for decades, the Wallabies have at last taken some tentative steps in the right direction
Matt Williams: Take a deep breath and see how Sam Prendergast copes with big Fiji test
Praise the French Rugby Federation for the way they highlighted the spiritual element of our sport
Was that an aura of arrogance or ignorance around Ireland? Whatever, they need to get real
If Ireland play again like they did against the All Blacks, then the next few weeks will hold a great deal of pain
With all due respect to New Zealand and the haka, a laser-accurate kicking game can deliver victory for Ireland
I hope the Irish welcome for the All Blacks holds far more humility than the English displayed
Matt Williams: New Zealand are suffering an existential crisis of identity
All Blacks face favourites Ireland in Dublin knowing their era of global dominance is over
Matt Williams: Let’s hear it for the nine to five hero, that regular guy
‘My father’s entire working life was spent in a factory. It was a tough existence ... he and my mother sacrificed so that their four sons could ... get the type of high-quality education that Irish immigrants so value’
Matt Williams: Leinster’s defensive system is failing – Ireland must avoid same mistakes in November battles
If Ireland adopt same defensive system, New Zealand and Argentina will carve that failing rushing defensive system apart
Matt Williams: The push to select global Wallabies to face Lions is gaining momentum
If Joe Schmidt’s national squad includes the best of those playing overseas, Australia can prove a match for the touring side next summer
Matt Williams: Talk of fading All Blacks is disrespectful and ridiculous
In advance of Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash, claims that New Zealand are a spent rugby force could not have come at a worse time for Australia
Matt Williams: Rugby’s failure to remain tech-savvy is a blight on the sport
Ball-tracking is just one technology that could help referees and TMOs get key calls right
Matt Williams: Springboks’ swagger only likely to galvanise New Zealand
Rugby has a way of cutting down the tallest of poppies and the All Blacks have a score to settle with South Africa following the World Cup final defeat
Matt Williams: Family, rugby and whales - cling to the gracefulness of passing things
A stroll along Sydney’s coast brought a reminder of the value of spending time well