SBW believes the Wallabies can conquer the Lions, if they do one thing

“They’ve got world-class players. Anyone can beat anyone on their day.”

That was the declaration of dual-code champion Sonny Bill Williams, who believed the Wallabies had the tools to conquer the British and Irish Lions, if they exploited the weapons embedded in their backline.

The 39-year-old, speaking in Brisbane ahead of his Stan Sport boxing bout with Paul Gallen on July 16, was adamant Australia had enough firepower to thwart their highly-touted rivals, and should not be overawed by the occasion.

Sonny Bill Williams during his final preparations for his fight with Paul Gallen on July 16.Credit: Getty Images

Nor should they be shackled by expectations dumped on them in the past, having endured a horror 2023 before showing signs of growth under Test coach Joe Schmidt.

Williams – who won two World Cups with the All Blacks and featured in their drawn 2017 series of the Lions – saw huge strides taken among the Super Rugby sides in 2025.

But while he believed a greater quality of player depth had been fostered, that is where the Lions may hold the edge.

“They’ll be riding on a bit of a high from their Super Rugby series. Some players played really good, the franchises played really good, and they were unlucky to miss out on the final,” Williams told this masthead.

“But I think the test will be in the later stages of each game because the British and Irish Lions are bringing on some world-class players. They’ve got depth.

“I know from an All Blacks perspective, it was we’ve got a 30-man squad of world-class players, who’s playing their best? I think that’s where the British and Irish Lions’ strength will come in this series.”

Some of Australia’s depth was on show in the Queensland Reds 52-12 defeat to the Lions on Wednesday night, with Wallabies hopefuls Hunter Paisami, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham impressing.

Williams believed the Wallabies would need to match “fire with fire” against their juggernaut rivals, but was adamant they had enough strike power to keep the Lions on edge.

Schmidt is yet to settle on his squad for the series, with Wednesday’s Reds clash and forthcoming contests against the Lions for the Waratahs, Brumbies and Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV all to come before the first Test.

But Williams felt some members of the backline picked themselves given the X-factor they brought – naming Paisami and Len Ikitau as his preferred centres, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Corey Toole his ideal wingers.

Ikitau’s flick pass to clinch an Australian triumph against England on last year’s Spring Tour epitomised the instinct he played with, while Suaalii and Toole bring aerial threats and speed.

Hunter Paisami of the Reds is tackledCredit: Getty Images

Paisami, meanwhile, has blossomed into a three-pronged star of the Reds, adding a deft passing game and short kicking arsenal to complement his powerful ball-running.

“We got a good taste of them. For me, I just wanted to go out and enjoy it with a smile,” Paisami said, who will rejoin the Wallabies’ squad in Newcastle for Sunday’s clash with Fiji.

“I know Joe will be asking questions of what it was like, and where I felt the pressure from. I have to do my homework and watch the game, so when those questions come I know how to answer them.

“Joe hasn’t really given me much because I was only in camp for a few days, but I think he just wants me to be myself and try and bring that same energy with the Reds into camp.”

As a unit, Williams believe all that quartet would need was possession to wreak havoc.

“Big games like this, obviously you need to play all styles of game. The best teams are the ones that can see what’s happening and change the momentum in a catch,” Williams said.

“I think when it comes to this series, the British and Irish Lions can play all styles. The Aussie teams, what are they great at?

“The driving maul will be a big part of the game, the set piece they’ll be looking just to hold the fort, but I think they need to liven up those outside backs and give them good ball.

“Ikitau, Hunter, and I would like to see Suaalii on one of the flanks or Toole – fire with fire.”