Dan Biggar: Wales fly-half has been changed by fatherhood
Last updated on .From the section Welsh Rugby
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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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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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