Matt Williams, never one to mince words, has blasted critics who dare say the recent Test series between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions fell short of success. The former Scotland coach dubbed it a “raging success,” applauding the Wallabies' drastic turnaround from their dismal outing against Fiji before facing the Lions.
Williams took to his column to dismantle the myths surrounding the series. He contrasted it with past tours, noting, “On the 2021 tour of South Africa, the tour games averaged a staggering 45 points, and the horridly negative tactics of both teams meant that the Lions only managed to average 16 points in the Test matches. During the 2025 tour of Australia, the Lions averaged 39 points in the tour games.” He used these stats to challenge the narrative pushed by some vocal critics suggesting the Wallabies were a weak opponent overwhelmed by the Lions.
“The only grave error that the Lions organisation and their supporters made is that they forgot that the tour was as much for Australia as it was for the Lions,”
Williams pointed out, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the tour.The series not only showcased riveting rugby but also pulled in record-breaking crowds, with the second Test at the MCG marking the highest attendance ever for a Lions match. Financially, it was a boon too, reportedly pulling in an impressive AUS$51 million in profits, which Williams highlighted as a crucial lifeline for Rugby Australia's coffers.
Praising the Lions' revival under Andy Farrell, Williams noted,
“After the unmitigated disaster that was the Lions in South Africa 2021, Andy Farrell and his team have re-established the on-field standards demanded by the great traditions of the Lions.”
He commended the team for their engaging, fast-paced play, which resonated well with the Australian audiences who crave dynamic rugby action.Williams concluded by affirming the series not only reinvigorated the Lions' reputation but also significantly contributed to the survival and growth of rugby in Australia, countering the doom and gloom predicted by some pundits. The series, in his view, was a definitive success, proving its critics wrong on all fronts.