Wales' Dan Biggar hits back at critic in live post-match TV interview
Man of the match Dan Biggar used his post-match TV interview in Cardiff to hit back at JJ Williams, the former Lions winger who claimed Wales will not win the World Cup with the Northampton player playing at out-half.
Biggar was thrust back into the Wales No10 jersey for Saturday’s match against England following the World Cup-ending injury suffered last Sunday by Gareth Anscombe.
His return to the starting line-up was criticised by Williams, who suggested Wales need to be starting Jarrod Evans in Anscombe’s absence if they are to conquer the world next month in Japan.
However, Biggar used a TV interview on Channel 4 to take his critic to task following Wales’ deserved 13-6 win over England, a victory in which the out-half was pivotal in the creation of the game’s only try scored on 34 minutes by George North.
“Obviously delighted to get the win,” said Biggar before receiving his man of the match award. “We are all full aware we probably didn’t front up enough last week.
"Thanks to JJ Williams for the extra motivation" @WelshRugbyUnion.answered their critics with victory over @EnglandRugby, says man-of-the-match Dan Biggar#C4rugby #WALvENG pic.twitter.com/3VtFbalZOf
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) August 17, 2019
“It was a just a huge defensive effort today. We played some good stuff. We probably could have been a little more ahead in the first half but really pleasing to get over the line and dig it out as we have over the years. And special thanks to JJ Williams for all his comments this week. It has been really motivating.”
Wales’ seven-point win just six days after losing 19-33 to England at Twickenham – a loss that ended a record 14-match winning streak – was enough to shunt them above New Zealand in the World Rugby rankings and become the No1 team following this weekend’s action.
Follow all the action and stats from Wales v England anywhere in the world in our live blog #WALvENG https://t.co/hvTXnxvpwk
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 17, 2019
“We probably got a little caught up in that last weekend with the winning run, the world No1 and all that,” said Biggar.
“What we want to do is we want to keep going about our business. We have worked hard for each other today. We have ground out a win, a huge defensive effort, and we’re looking to get better.
“Obviously, it is nice to be where we are. Hopefully, we can continue our good run, but it was a huge effort from the lads today and a massive effort.
“The forwards were brilliant all day. England’s strengths are obviously set-piece, driving lineouts and to front up as we did, to keep a world-class team like England try-less, is a pretty special effort.
Dan Biggar, take a bow!
Quick thinking + perfect execution = TRY for Wales' @George_North!#C4rugby #WALvENG pic.twitter.com/JrCiVAkwHm
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) August 17, 2019
“Plenty to work on but we go to Turkey now on the back of a win and have a tough week there before hopefully getting better for the two Ireland games.”
WATCH: Part one of Operation Jaypan, the two-part RugbyPass documentary on what the fans can expect to experience in Japan at the World Cup
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments