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Biggar issues 'don't stress out' message to his Lions teammates
Dan Biggar insists the British and Irish Lions must be ready to meet South Africa’s physical onslaught or risk being swept away in Saturday’s first Test. Few surprises are expected when the Springboks run out at Cape Town Stadium as they look to overcome a build-up disrupted by a significant Covid-19 outbreak by relying on their traditional strengths of a powerful set-piece, suffocating defence and strong kicking game.
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The indications from the tour so far are that the Lions will aim to play with more tempo and width but Biggar, who is favourite to take the fly-half duties ahead of Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith, knows that can only happen if the world champions are met head-on.
“What is impressive about South Africa is you kind of know everything they are about to throw at you, but it’s still very difficult if they do it well, or you are a little bit off or lose a couple of collisions, to get back on top of them,” said Biggar, who was nursing an ankle sprain last week that kept him out of the Lions games versus South Africa A and the Stormers.
“That momentum is huge for them. It’s about staying in the arm wrestle for as long as possible, not giving them anything cheap and then taking your chances when you get them. Everyone who plays against South Africa knows what they are going to present. It’s just making sure you’re physical and patient enough to stick in there.
“You have got to match it first and foremost. Unless you match it, you are in a bit of trouble really. You are going to get overrun. I’m not saying like for like – hopefully, there is an opportunity for us to move the ball a little. First and foremost, it’s about making sure you play in the right areas and take your chances.
'…we haven’t conceded a try in that area yet'
Gatland on two areas of the game the Lions need to improve on in the first Test #LionsRugby #RSAvBIL https://t.co/nads6Uqg91
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 18, 2021
“We will have some plays up our sleeves to target some areas which we see as weaknesses. But ultimately, when you play this team, you know you have got to bar up physically otherwise everything you’ve planned goes out the window.” South Africa have faced stinging criticism from their former head coach Peter De Villiers, who said their tactics are “very, very boring”, adding that “we suffocate people with our bulk and then we base our whole game plan around defending, defending, defending”.
Biggar was part of the Wales team edged out by the Springboks in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup and he insists results always trump aesthetics. “Well, we would all take the style of play they play if we could end up with a World Cup winners medal at the end of it!” Biggar said.
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“They have done extremely well in their style of play. They are heavily reliant on set-piece, they are heavily reliant on getting on the front foot. You know you are going to be in a kicking battle when you play South Africa.
“The amount of kicks on Saturday is going to be pretty high with how they play and what they want to do to you. They want you to make errors in your own half to allow them to have territory and allow them to get into their power game.”
The Lions have a quiz scheduled for Tuesday and a number of the squad are expected to play golf on Wednesday as they look to take their minds off the looming Test series. “This is a hugely special week for everyone, for the whole of the rugby world really, so it’s important that you enjoy it, don’t see it as a burden and don’t stress yourself out too much before Saturday,” Biggar said. “We need to break the week up by not having it rugby, rugby every single moment of the day. That would do us more good than harm.”
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We can't wait for this ?
You can watch from home on YouTube or Facebook from 7pm this Thursday ?? pic.twitter.com/lV9FevSXMO
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 19, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
After missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
10 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
10 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
10 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
10 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
10 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to comments