Bravery sets Dan apart – Barnes
DAN Biggar’s fabulous form and bravery make him the ideal man to take on the Springboks for the Lions.
That’s the verdict of former England fly-half Stuart
Barnes, who has added his voice to the plaudits being lavished on the Wales No 10.
Barnes pointed to an incident late in Northampton’s 23-18 Premiership victory over Leicester at Welford Road on Saturday as evidence of Biggar’s courage.
The Saints star was limping towards the touchline with a leg injury until he realised his team were down to 14 men.
He then changed his mind, rejoined the fray and pulled off a match-winning tap tackle on Tigers No 8 Jasper Wiese.
“It was a truly inspirational effort from the Lions contender,” said Barnes in The Times.
“His U-turn was above and beyond the call of duty.
“What we witnessed was someone prepared to put his team-mates ahead of his personal aspirations with the Lions. Most players would – understandably – have reluctantly left the field, whereas Biggar took the route rarely chosen and ignored his future for the needs of the Northampton present.
“It was the sort of courage that cannot be defined or measured.
“Biggar’s bravery on Saturday is up there among the outstanding memories of this fragmented Gallagher Premiership season.
“I love bravery because it is a reminder that the cold analytics that have subsumed the game in so many ways still have barriers yet to break down.
“Analysts who have never been in the battle of an important game do not understand the impact a decision like Biggar’s has on the rest of the team.
“When a team-mate does something he really has no right to do, there is a frisson that finds its way through the side.”
Summing up his thoughts on Biggar, Barnes said: “His form is fabulous, his Lions history solid as a leader of the 2017 midweek team and his kicking game ideal to take on the Springboks.
“But it is the intangible, his sheer courage that makes him a man you would want alongside you on the brutal rugby battlegrounds of South Africa.”
Biggar, who landed four shots at goal against Leicester, is vying for Lions selection with fellow fly-halves Johnny Sexton, Owen Farrell and Finn Russell.