Wales left to sweat over Biggar fitness after early exit against Wallabies

Wales’ World Cup hopes took a major hit on Sunday evening when talismanic fly-half Dan Biggar was forced from the field after just twelve minutes against Australia in Lyon.

The 33-year-old received treatment for what appeared to be a shoulder injury in the opening minutes of the match but battled on despite being in clear discomfort. However, the injury proved to be too much and he was withdrawn on 12 minutes and was replaced by Gareth Anscombe. The Toulon No10 joined the bench and was seen holding his pectoral muscle.

This is a huge loss for Wales not only in the match, but in the context of the World Cup as well should the injury prove to be serious. Biggar was named player of the match in their opening round win over Fiji and is instrumental to Warren Gatland’s side. With Georgia still to come after the Wallabies in the pool stages ahead of a possible quarter-final, the Kiwi will face a nervous wait to see whether his centurion will return.

Biggar is set to retire from international rugby at the end of the World Cup, so a serious injury could mean he has made his last appearance in the red of Wales.