Matt Williams, the former Scotland head coach, has not minced words about the British and Irish Lions' controversial 2021 tour to South Africa, branding it an "abomination" and ripping into the tactics and behavior of the coaching staff involved. Fast forward to 2025, and it's a vastly different story as Andy Farrell's Lions have seemingly redeemed the team's image with their performance in Australia.
Williams was blunt in his criticism of the 2021 series, which was plagued by issues both on and off the field, including Rassie Erasmus' infamous video rant about referee Nic Berry and Warren Gatland's protests over the appointment of a South African TMO. The rugby played was driven by relentless kicking and forward play, which Williams slammed for lacking the true spirit of the game.
"It was not played in a good spirit. It was aggressive, I have no problem with it being aggressive but it wasn’t played in the spirit of rugby."
The 2025 tour painted a stark contrast, showcasing a revitalized Lions that played thrilling, high-risk rugby. Under Farrell's guidance, the Lions adopted a dynamic playing style that involved running the ball, varied attacks, and robust defense. Williams praised the team's ability to entertain and engage fans.
"They weren't just doing bombs and chasing through and doing cross-field kicks – there was a variety. People were counterattacking, there was great attack from the backlines, there was great attack from the forwards."
Williams enthused about the tour's success, emphasizing that the Lions "restored their image on the field."By the end of the tour, the Lions had not only dominated the provincial games but also delivered compelling Test matches, affirming their prestigious status in international rugby. Williams's final verdict on the Lions' 2025 outing was overwhelmingly positive, marking a complete turnaround from the tarnished legacy left by the 2021 tour.