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Alex Mitchell of British & Irish Lions looks dejected during the 1888 Cup international match between British & Irish Lions and Argentina

Five things the Wallabies learnt from the Lions’ defeat in Dublin

Argentina’s shock win exposed some vulnerabilities in the tourists – but also highlighted the threats Joe Schmidt’s team must combat.

  • Jonathan Drennan

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US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

A US attack on Iran would show the limits of China’s power

China, which depends on Iran for oil and to counter American influence, has a lot to lose from a wider war. But there’s not much it can do about it.

  • David Pierson, Keith Bradsher and Berry Wang
Will Ashcroft wasn’t the only Lions midfielder flexing his muscle.

Should the Cats worry as the Lions flex their midfield muscle?

The reigning premiers have now beaten Geelong three times in succession after they won at GMHBA Stadium for the first time since 2003. They proved themselves the team to beat.

  • Peter Ryan

Trump buys himself time, and opens up some new options

While the US president appears to be offering one more off-ramp to the Iranians, he’s also bolstering his own military options.

  • David E. Sanger and Tyler Pager
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary will be given a licence to roam for NSW.

Their season is in the balance. Inequities of NRL draw could tip Panthers over the edge

All dynasties come to an end. For Penrith, the trip to Auckland less than 72 hours after State of Origin could be the draw that broke the camel’s back.

  • Robert Dillon
Broncos retentions composite

‘When he comes back, he’ll be firing’: Broncos signing spree leaves ex-Maroon under a cloud

Brisbane secured two of their biggest stars and one man lauded as key to their future. But what will it mean for others off contract, and their next generation?

  • Nick Wright
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Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, right, reacts after bowling a delivery on day four at Lord’s.

New cycle, old questions: Australia’s big ‘reset’ in the Caribbean

Australia’s three-Test tour of the West Indies shapes as a defining reset, with key selection calls ahead of a new WTC cycle and home Ashes.

  • Tom Decent
Darren Hafner: Claimed he made an honest mistake.

The downfall of a drug racket: An underworld drama

You might think that having lost a house to Tony Mokbel, Darren Hafner would have sought an alternative income stream. But he was nothing if not persistent.

  • John Silvester
WA Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti handed down the budget on Thursday.

A boring budget isn’t such a bad thing in a chaotic world

With the threat of sporadic tariffs and nations teetering on war, a boring budget feels like a warm blanket.

  • Hamish Hastie
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in 2017. They’ve been in contact several times since Trump’s return to the White House.

This is the war Trump didn’t want, and his ‘peacemaker’ credentials are falling apart

Never has a US president delegated the negotiation over a critical national interest to an American enemy. Yet we seem to be on the brink of exactly that.

  • Peter Hartcher

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/Analysis-1qu