PARIS – In another world, Tamaiti Williams would be back in Australia with the rest of the Wallabies. Instead, the 23-year-old, who lived in Perth until he was 16, looks likely to be presented with one of rugby’s greatest challenges: stopping the Springboks’ “bomb squad” in a World Cup final. Born in Whangārei, Williams’ family […]
We have the Rugby World Cup final that was always there as a juicy morsel of possibility, and even one that many of us might have wanted. Whether we thought we’d get it seven weeks ago is up to the individual to admit. I didn’t think we would, for the record. I had Ireland and […]
If there’s one thing NRL clubs don’t lack, it’s cash. The salary cap stops them from spending as much as they like, but there’s always a couple of bucks spare for all the other stuff. For the many, many teams that would be improved by adding one of the world’s best young playmakers, then this […]
PARIS – South Africa’s win over England contained one serious allegation that’s under investigation and plenty more moments – both excellent and ugly – that showcased the stakes and intensity of the battle. New Zealand, meanwhile, showed up the folly of the draw (again), when Michael Cheika’s Argentina were ruthlessly dispatched in a semi-final mismatch […]
There is no danger of Steve Smith losing his spot in the batting squeeze brought about by Travis Head’s return but Australia cannot win the World Cup if the vice-captain remains in his form slump. Superstar batters rely on a signature shot and for many years Smith has feasted on walking across his stumps to […]
