Super Saturday bodes well, says Biggar
WALES captain Dan Biggar believes that next year’s World Cup is “very much a level playing field” after northern hemisphere nations served emphatic notice of their credentials.
England remain the only European country to be crowned world champions following a Jonny Wilkinson-inspired triumph in Australia 19 years ago. And while there is still more than a year before rugby union’s next global extravaganza takes centre stage, the form guide is taking shape.
Ireland’s first victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand, England beating Australia in Brisbane, Wales ending 58 years of hurt on South African soil, as well as Scotland toppling Argentina, all away from home represented a staggering super Saturday.
All four touring teams now enter series deciders on Saturday, while the sport’s world rankings are set for a considerable power-shift.
“It is really exciting looking forward to 12 months or so time in France,” Biggar said after Wales toppled the world champions 13-12 in Bloemfontein.
“There is not really one standout team going into the World Cup, as there has been the last couple of times probably where New Zealand have been streets ahead of everyone.
“It is very much a level playing field, and anyone can beat anyone.”
A week after pushing South Africa to the limit in a first Test thriller, Wales levelled the series when Gareth Anscombe kicked a touchline conversion two minutes from time after fellow substitute Josh Adams claimed his 20th Test try.
It was Wales’ first victory over the Springboks in South Africa, arriving at the 12th attempt, and came little more than three months after Biggar and company were defeated by Italy in Cardiff.
“Credit to Wayne [Wales head coach Pivac] and the management that we probably didn’t over-react to the end of the Six Nations,” added Biggar.
“We stuck true to our guns and game-plan in terms of what we are trying to achieve.
“I think professional sport is so cut-throat. When you lose, those defeats tend to last for months and months, as opposed to sometimes your victories are over before you blink.”