To honour the Wallabies wearing the First Nations jersey against Argentina, Rugby.com.au has taken a look back at the incredible efforts by First Nations Wallabies - looking at the fearless Jim Williams
Jim Williams was an indigenous Australian, hard-as-nails flanker / No.8, who brought a completely unselfish and committed approach to his rugby.
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Born and raised in the southern New South Wales town of Young, Williams played rugby league as a boy and did not enjoy his first taste of union until he joined the Australian Army at age 17.
He won a single cap for New South Wales in 1996 before he turned his hand to 7s.
Williams would win a bronze medal as a member of the Australian Men’s Sevens side at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
In 1998 he joined the ACT Brumbies and starred in their back-row.
The following year his consistent efforts were rewarded when he made his Test debut against Ireland in Brisbane.
He came off the bench when he substituted David Giffin and then replaced Matt Cockbain at No.6 during the 46-10 victory over Ireland in Brisbane.
Williams was selected to his first Rugby World Cup, earning his run-on debut against the USA.
Whilst this was his only game of the tournament, he returned home a World Champion as the Wallabies defeated France in the Final.
In 2000, Williams played in all 10 Wallaby Tests. He was picked in the starting side for the opening seven internationals, six of which were at No.8, and was a replacement in each of the three Spring Tour matches.
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After missing Wallabies selection in 2001, Williams accepted a two-year deal with Munster, and soon captained the Irish club.
He would then make the transition into coaching, eventually serving as assistant coach for the Wallabies under Robbie Deans in 2008-2011.
Williams played 14 Tests, of which Australia won 12, over his two year international career.
