Paul Williams takes a look at the goings-on in the game at the end of 2017
Paul Williams
Wales v New Zealand – Five things we learnt
Possession not enough There was a time in test rugby, roughly from 2009 – 2014, where goal kicking was enough to win you games. Where a game plan could be…
Wales v Georgia – Five things we learnt
Too many changes If I was in charge of the playlist at the Millennium Stadium yesterday, I would have found it nigh on impossible not to slip Bowie’s ‘Changes’ on…
Wales v Australia: Five things we learnt
A loss, but in a contemporary style Another defeat to the Wallabies. Which for some will be all that matters. And they may be right when you consider that Wales…
Five things we learnt in rugby – October
Referees need less to do The modern referees’ job has become a laughably difficult task. Rugby has essentially become a game of five separate functions with open play, the ruck,…
Five things we learnt in rugby – September
Can’t blame any outside half for wanting to leave Wales September saw Dan Biggar confirm his move to Northampton. It’s a move that is as well renumerated as it is…
Five of rugby’s talking points from July
Pro 12 shows its cojones July saw the Pro 12 become the Pro 14 and with it, change the global rugby landscape. Never have southern hemisphere club teams competed with…
Lions Third Test: Five things we’ve learnt
The perfect draw It has been said that a draw is like kissing your sister. If that is the case, the third test was like kissing an adopted step sister…
Lions Second Test: Five things we learnt
Lions glory. But a black elephant remains in the room The Lions beat the All Blacks by 24-21, levelled the series, and achieved something that few professional rugby players will…
New Zealand v British and Irish Lions – First Test analysis
The manner of defeat will concern Warren Gatland The British and Irish Lions’ 30-15 defeat in the first test will obviously concern Warren Gatland. But the manner of the defeat…