Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Wales v Australia: Dan Biggar on Usain Bolt, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's doubters

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Friday, 19 November 2021 14:01

It has proved an interesting few weeks for Wales fly-half and Manchester United fan Dan Biggar.

Prior to orchestrating Wales' autumn campaign, which finishes against Australia on Saturday, Biggar attended matches at Old Trafford to watch his beloved football side in action.

While there were mixed results on the field, he rubbed shoulders with legends associated with Manchester United.

He has enjoyed dinner with Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt and sat next to former manager Sir Alex Ferguson when Manchester United were being comprehensively defeated by Liverpool.

"It wasn't much good mind, they were 5-0 down at that point," said Biggar.

"We went a few weeks before and Usain Bolt was there in the directors' lounge. I managed to have dinner with Usain Bolt, which was pretty surreal."

The pressure on Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is one that resonates with Biggar, as he has had his own battles to win over the doubters.

"It's the same as everyone's got an opinion on the Welsh outside-half or Welsh rugby in general," added Biggar.

"I thought Welsh rugby was complicated and I don't think he'd accept much advice from me.

"It's like that at the minute with them - I don't know why he bothers doing his job, as he's got 10 million people who think they can clearly do it better than him."

Since Biggar made his international debut in 2008, he has faced a test to establish himself as Wales' first-choice fly-half and win the hearts and minds of fans.

Biggar prepares to play his 98th international on Saturday against Australia - his 95th appearance for Wales, supplemented by three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against South Africa last summer.

World Cup dream

Biggar shows no signs of slowing down. He will be 34 when the next World Cup comes around in 2023 and a third global tournament remains a priority.

"That's the real aim, if I can get to that World Cup," added Biggar.

"Coming off the back of a successful Six Nations last time around, I think that's a realistic aim.

"I turned 32 last month but I don't feel that when I'm training or playing. When I stop training I feel 32, but when I'm in amongst it I certainly don't feel like that.

"I'm fully aware I'm in the latter stages of my career. I know exactly what makes my game tick and things."

Biggar believes he has benefited from leaving Ospreys in Wales to join English side Northampton.

"I feel as if I've become a better player since going to Northampton," added Biggar.

"I've learnt more about myself since going there and I feel good.

"I feel especially being in a team at Northampton at the minute, which is a young, fresh team who have got lots of young boys and bringing that out in me.

"I feel like I've still got tons to give. I'd like to think I've done OK.

"I know there's always been someone in Wales who is or is perceived better than me and, for the last 12 years I've played, there's always someone who can do a better job.

"I'd also like to think I've done some things right in my career and managed to do all right."

Biggar believes he has developed into a senior statesmen.

"I feel like that's part of my role," he added.

"You feel you inherit that when you become a senior player and have been around the block a little bit.

"It's nice to be able to pass on because I always feel when I was a 19 or 20-year-old coming through, you were desperate for support, help and motivation.

"It's not all about putting arms around people and things. Sometimes it's a bit of a kick up the backside and about getting guys fired up and them used to what international rugby is about.

"It's not all fancy stuff and high points. It's about digging in and grinding through some tough times also."

Frustrations against Fiji

Biggar excelled in the 23-18 defeat against South Africa but admits his frustrations facing Fiji the following weekend, where Wales eventually came through and won 38-23.

"It was frustrating we did not to play as well we wanted," said Biggar.

"Was I overly happy with how I played on Sunday? Probably not. Could I have played better? Absolutely.

"I would review that game exactly the same as a game in which I had man-of-the-match in and had nine out of 10.

"There is no difference, it's just another week. I am experienced enough to know if you play well you may have some plaudits, if you don't play well people are going to come for you.

"That's how it is. My mood does not get affected, I will come in and do exactly the same, regardless of whether I feel I played OK or not.

"It's the same, back to the drawing board, planning for the next game and hoping to perform well on Saturday."

Wales coach Wayne Pivac says Biggar is one of the best students of the game and Wales' final examination this weekend is Australia.

Biggar faces an individual battle with James O'Connor, with the Wallabies looking to avoid a clean sweep of tour losses following defeats against England and Scotland.

"They are a very skilful side, they probably got a bit overrun by England in that second 40 in terms of the power England put on display," said Biggar.

"It's about matching that, we know they are going to come with a big pack of forwards and try and disrupt us.

"Behind, they have talented backs in James O'Connor who seems to have been around forever. He has tons of experience and some exciting backs outside him.

"Andrew Kellaway has been in good form for them and Kurtley Beale is one of those experienced campaigners.

"So they are going to have lots of tricks up their sleeves with a well-coached team."

Read 190 times

Soccer

Xavi: Girona loss tells the story of our season

Xavi: Girona loss tells the story of our season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsXavi Hernández said Saturday's crushing 4-2 defeat at Girona was em...

Should he stay or go? The case for, against Erik ten Hag at Man United

Should he stay or go? The case for, against Erik ten Hag at Man United

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsErik ten Hag in, or Erik ten Hag out? Manchester United fans are ei...

Girona beat Barça, qualify for UCL for first time

Girona beat Barça, qualify for UCL for first time

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGirona have qualified for the Champions League for the first time i...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Former Laker Morris dies at 33, family announces

Former Laker Morris dies at 33, family announces

EmailPrintFormer Michigan standout and Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Darius Morris has died at 33, h...

Sources: Ball picks up $21.4M option with Bulls

Sources: Ball picks up $21.4M option with Bulls

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAfter missing the past two-plus seasons with a knee injury, Chicago...

Baseball

Judge: First ejection of career 'very surprising'

Judge: First ejection of career 'very surprising'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Aaron Judge has accomplished plenty during his nine-yea...

Cubs' Bellinger, Suzuki could return next week

Cubs' Bellinger, Suzuki could return next week

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- The Cubs are inching closer to getting two of their bett...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated