Dan Biggar: Wales fly-half has been changed by fatherhood

Last updated on .From the section Welsh Rugbycomments57

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar says fatherhood helped him deal with the pressure of kicking Wales to Saturday's historic 9-6 win against Australia.

Biggar came off the bench to kick the winning penalty as Wales beat Australia for the first time since 2008.

"I've really changed my outlook on rugby over the last year since I've had a little one," the 29-year-old said.

"You go home and your little boy doesn't care if you've scored the winning points or had a rubbish game."

Talking to BBC Radio 5 live's Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Biggar added: "If I make a mistake or things don't go my way I've still got something pretty amazing to come home to. When you start a family that becomes the most important thing."

That said, Biggar admitted it was impossible to ignore the enormity of his late kick against the Wallabies.

"You're always a bit more anxious than normal when you're on the bench because you don't know when you're going on, but I've tried to just relax a little bit," he said.

"Any kicker who says they don't feel the situation, the scoreboard and the years of hurt against Australia would be lying if they said they could shut that out completely."

Biggar also says his move to the English Premiership with Northampton this season has come as a welcomed "test" after 11 years with Ospreys.

The fly-half, who has won 63 caps for Wales and was a member of the British and Irish Lions squad in New Zealand in 2017, has scored 63 points in eight appearances this season.

"I'm really enjoying my rugby at Northampton and I'm really enjoying living outside of Wales," he said.

"It's a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere now - I'm really happy off the field so hopefully that will translate to more good performances on the field."

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57 comments

  • Comment posted by Col, at 08:03 13 Nov 2018

    I've read the article differently. This is about pressure, standing in front of a set of rugby posts, responsible for taking a kick that will have enormous psychological effects on the outcome of the game & Wales going forward. He needed that kick, all our supporters needed that kick. Halfpenny was gone, this was Dan's responsibility and he delivered. No need for conspiracy theories. Nice one Dad!

  • Comment posted by Scrubsupwell, at 13:16 13 Nov 2018

    This article and the other piece about Anscombe dealing with trolls are encouraging and positive - I like to hear that both these players have ways of dealing with the inevitable and sometimes unwarranted criticism, pressure and plain old nastiness that comes their way. Good for you, lads, good for finding some balance.

  • Comment posted by anglowelsh, at 10:54 13 Nov 2018

    @32
    In my opinion Biggar has slipped below Patchell and Anscombe in the pecking order. However I feel he still has a role to play. I watched him for Northampton against the Dragons and he was the difference between the two teams, even though he went off injured at half time. If needed, he can still do a job for Wales.

  • Comment posted by bentyger, at 09:33 13 Nov 2018

    Why are people saying he's no good?

    We need a fly half who can really defend and hoof the ball, just as much as we need a fly half who can run and tie in defences.

    It's called being able to change strategy, it presents your opposition with new questions.

    Never heard people complaining about strength in depth before. Mad.

  • Comment posted by camolin, at 07:32 13 Nov 2018

    Another sympathetic article about Biggar, seems part of campaign to get him back, well that would be a huge backward step as he may be a nice guy but is a deadweight on Welsh backline and attacking threat. Move on with Anscombe and Patchell

  • Comment posted by kiwitaf, at 08:01 13 Nov 2018

    Dan Biggar is a class act. Playing 63 times for your country and doing well on a successful Lions tour is no mean feat. The history books will record that he scored the vital winning penalty with just a few minutes left on the clock.
    Wales have 4/5 international 10"s to choose from over next year. Wales have enjoyed success when a great fly half has been in the team.

  • Comment posted by disillusioned, at 07:50 13 Nov 2018

    @1 couldn't agree more, hopefully Patchell gets a run out this weekend

  • Comment posted by Gokikia, at 19:39 13 Nov 2018

    Actually think Dan is a very good option on the bench.

    If your 2 scores ahead in a game then he would be good just to control the game and see it through!

    Also think he is more than able to cover full back if needed. Great under high ball, good kicker and good defence.

    Would now let Anscombe have the 10 jersey until the world cup and beyond. Needs to be playing there regular!

  • Comment posted by anglowelsh, at 10:09 13 Nov 2018

    What usually happens when Welsh players move to English clubs is they spend most of their time injured! North, Faletau and Priestland to name 3. Can't recall Faletau ever being injured at the Dragons! Just wait - as soon as Faletau is vaguely fit, Bath will rush him back. They don't give a monkey's about his Wales prospects! Dare I suggest they have a vested interest in his missing Wales games!

  • Comment posted by flex, at 10:07 13 Nov 2018

    @21
    Faletau & North were never Crocker before playing over the bridge.
    And what of Billy V, Tuilagi, and the other dozen or so internationals unavailable to England. The Prem is certainly improving their careers.

  • Comment posted by blues1959, at 08:24 13 Nov 2018

    Still think Dan has a lot to offer for Wales he's only 29 and his experience will be vital to Wales in the build up to the world cup, yes he complains to ref a bit but so does Farrell and a lot of other players, so let's support him and all our players

  • Comment posted by llareggub, at 10:08 13 Nov 2018

    Nice to have a current bunch of OH options that offer different skill sets. Biggar is the best at 'kick & collect' .. an area in which Wales were weak against both Scotland and Australia. Still my first choice in a tight game but, as I say, nice to have other options.

  • Comment posted by Redneck, at 09:34 13 Nov 2018

    In very bad weather against a big midfield you would want Biggar before Patchell or Anscombe. On a nice fast track in good conditions you'd pick one of the others. It's good to have a choice

  • Comment posted by Blott, at 09:06 13 Nov 2018

    8 players injured b4 RWC 2015, doom & gloom as 1/2p, JD2, Webb all missing and the biggest Eng v Wal showdown at HQ, England’s World Cup, home advantage and Wales were up against it. Burgess was apparently about to teach Wales a lesson.

    Dan Biggar brushed it all to one side, kicked his kicks, controlled the line and went viral with the Biggaraina. He’d always be in my matchday 23 at least.

  • Comment posted by BarneyWales, at 18:25 13 Nov 2018

    I cannot understand why so many people on this site are concentrating on finding and describing negatives in Dan Biggar. He is part of our new strength in depth we should be praising his attributes and discussing when, where, against whom these attributes would be useful, not putting him down. Horses for courses comes to mind.

  • Comment posted by anglowelsh, at 10:20 13 Nov 2018

    @29
    In a sense your comment supports my argument. English clubs are only concerned with their own success. In my opinion it appears that they care little for the success of national teams - whether it's Wales, England or Panama!

  • Comment posted by Hopalongprop, at 13:33 13 Nov 2018

    @36 interesting theory re Henson & Hook. I see it slightly differently. When Henson started his 'TV reality' years it left both the Os & Wales with a problem in the backline. There wasn't the strength in depth at the time
    My impression was that Hook was moved out for both because his skills set was far more adaptable & DB went to 10
    Hook never got that 4/5 seasons developing at 10 - shame really

  • Comment posted by NickJ, at 09:42 13 Nov 2018

    Congrats on becoming a dad, Dan. I hadn't realised. Glad it's bringing some perspective :-)

  • Comment posted by wizard, at 17:23 13 Nov 2018

    @29 Didn't notice Anscombe getting any more out of "a very talented and attacking backline" last Saturday than DB would have. Too many posters on here rubbishing a player who has always played to the best of his ability. Seldom has an indifferent game and in my view we've yet to see either Anscombe or Patchell making a cast iron case for selection over DB.

  • Comment posted by U16275181, at 17:21 13 Nov 2018

    Although some people posting here will be loathe to admit it, Dan Bigger will be an important element of the Welsh squad in Japan, providing he can stay healthy wrth gwrs.

    His commitment and competitive spirit are eveything you could wish for in an international player

    For those lambasting him for being animated on the field. For comparison just look at Mario Itoje and Owen Farrell recently

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