Biggar backs Wales to pull together for ‘toughest test’
Dan Biggar, the Wales captain, believes the challenge against South Africa is “as tough as it gets” ahead of the first Test in Pretoria today.
Wales have never won in South Africa and were beaten by Italy at home in their last outing during the Six Nations, with Biggar calling on them to block out all external noise.
“It’s probably up there with the biggest challenges in world rugby, playing the world champions, the
No 1-ranked team, in their own backyard at altitude in front of 50,000 Springboks supporters,” Biggar said. “It is about as tough as it gets, but what the squad has done off the back of a disappointing end to the Six Nations is we’ve really come together.
“We have said it is almost like a fresh start, a clean slate, and just go out there with a bit of freedom and really express ourselves. Because if we listen to everything that is being reported, everything in the media, fans, pundits and everyone, we may as well not turn up and have three weeks on holiday here.
“So it will show a lot of character about us on Saturday, and I am hoping that can shine through.”
Biggar said he also hoped Wales would learn lessons from their last tour of South Africa in 2014, when they conceded three tries in the opening 20 minutes of the first Test.
“We played here in 2014, in Durban for the first Test, and we were out of the game inside 20 minutes. We got absolutely blown away, and they are a very difficult team to play against at the best of times, let alone when you’ve got to chase the game,” Biggar added. “We are all aware of what lies in wait if we can pull off one of the best Wales victories in the modern era.”
Siya Kolisi, the South Africa captain, was cautious not to write off a wounded Wales side, recalling how the 2019 World Cup semi-final “went down to the wire”.
Kolisi said: “We have been there, too. We are not ones to be laughing at anyone. I played in a team that lost
against Japan for the first time and we also lost against Italy. We know what it feels like.
“They are in a tough situation, but that can bring a side together. What better way to get out of a hole than to beat the No1 team in the world? They will stand up to us physically. When you have the opportunities, you have to take them.”