It’s all about chasing individual selection,
DAN Biggar insists the pursuit of history is far more important than a selection battle for places as the Lions bid to triumph in a Test series in New Zealand for only the second time in history.
Wales outside-half Biggar is up against Ireland star Johnny Sexton, who was the cream of British and Irish rugby’s play-maker when they conquered Australia four years ago, and England goal-kicker Owen Farrell.
“We are competing for the same position and we all want to play in that 10 shirt,” said Ospreys star Biggar.
But he stressed: “The most important thing is not the battle for places, but that we do everything on and off the field and back whoever is playing in all the games, because we have the chance to achieve something historic.
“We are all confident characters who are not afraid to speak our minds and say what we think. That will suit the team well.”
The Lions’ only Test series success over the All Blacks came in 1971, when a Welsh rugby genius named Barry John pulled the strings at No.10 and was crowned the ‘King’, and unity will be important as they face up to the back-to-back world champions.
Biggar revealed the Lions squad are already bonding, saying: “What I have found interesting (with Sexton and Farrell) is the amount you pick up off them, and that goes for other players as well.
“We have chats after training and talk about tactics. The two have so much knowledge, and it is really interesting.
“Johnny and I have got on really well, and after playing so often against him, it is good to be on the same side. I am looking forward to challenging him and Owen, and being with them gives you a good perspective on 10 play.
“We are not holding anything back from each other. The greater aim is to win the Test series, so if any of us has any knowledge that can help the team win games from small detail, it is important we put it out there.”
In addition to the three Tests, the Lions will also face all five New Zealand Super Rugby sides and the Maori All Blacks following next Saturday’s tour opener against a Provincial Barbarians XV, which underlines how tough a trip lies ahead.
“The majority of New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams are flying and playing really good rugby,” said Biggar.
He was a spectator last June when a largely second-string Chiefs inflicted a humiliating 40-7 defeat on Wales in Lions coach Warren Gatland’s home city of Hamilton.
“It will be a huge task for us, and not just the three Tests,” warned Biggar.
“The games against the Super teams will be hugely important as well. They seem to have a conveyor belt of talent. They lose (Dan) Carter, and they have (Beauden) Barrett and (Aaron) Cruden.
“The challenge is going to be huge in the Test series, and there will be no greater one in your career. We all have the opportunity to paint ourselves in a really good light.
“As a 10, teams try to target you,