BIGGAR AND Dan can be dream skipper
DAN BIGGAR can be a dream Six Nations captain and not the referees’ biggest nightmare – according to the world’s former No.1 official Nigel Owens. Biggar has the toughest job in the tournament this year – stepping into the size 12 captaincy shoes of Alun Wyn Jones, who is injured.
Unlike the Lions leader, who was considered a master diplomat with officials, Biggar has a history of being the pushy little pea who gets right up their whistle.
The Northampton No.10 even admitted this week that Jaco
Peyper must be having sleepless nights ahead of dealing with him and volatile Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton on the opening weekend.
Owens, now retired, who has advised Biggar on how to deal with referees in the past, said: “Dan is a very similar character on the pitch to Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell – they are a challenge to officiate.
“Sexton has been hugely influential with Ireland and the same goes for Farrell with England.
“They bring their strong personalities to the game, but I always found officiating with Sexton and Farrell enjoyable.
“Dan can be a bit ‘in your face’ as well, but he is no different in that respect to Sexton and Farrell.that is just the nature of the way they play and the way they compete.”
Like Farrell, Biggar has been slated in the past for his arm-waving, ear-popping response to some referee’s decisions.
But at 32, the wild boy has mellowed, claims Owens, who says he texted the Saints and Lions star to congratulate him on his appointment.
He added: “I think he’s a good choice as captain as he does have the respect of the players and will give it his all on the field. He always plays with his heart on his sleeve.
“The key for him is to feel the emotions, but to keep them in check. He must know how and when to speak to the referee.
“If Dan can get that balance right – and I think that he will – of challenging the referee and being respectful to the officials, then he will be fine.
“He can be quite uptight sometimes when he is playing, but he’s not the type to disrespect a referee. He’s also an older player now and much more experienced.”
Owens (right) says Biggar, Sexton and Farrell – out of England’s campaign through injury – push their dialogue with referees to the limit.
“I told Owen Farrell, I am more than happy to speak to you during the game – but I don’t need you throwing your hands in the air, shaking your head and chasing me down the field.
“If that happens, we are going to fall out and there will only be one winner. He accepted that and things were fine. I said the same to Jonny Sexton.
“If there are any issues or concerns, come and have a conversation with me and I will gladly listen to you.
“But I don’t want a confrontation where you shake your head and wave your arms.
“He was great, too. So, often it is down to the referee to get their message across. Captains do sometimes feel they can challenge referees, but the relationship has to remain respectful and within the laws.’’