BIGG NOT EASY

‘Dan, Sexton and Farrell can be in your face and they’re a challenge for officials’

DAN BIGGAR can be a dream Six Nations captain — not the referees’ biggest nightmare.

That’s the verdict of Nigel Owens, the former No.1 official in the world.

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 – 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 Jaco Peyper must be having sleepless nights ahead of dealing with him and volatile Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton on the opening weekend.

Owens (right), who retired just over a year ago, has advised Biggar on how to deal with referees in the past and puts the new Wales captain up there with Sexton and England’s Owen Farrell as the toughest trio.

“Dan is a very similar character on the pitch to Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell – they are a challenge to officiate,” said Owens.

“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 an enjoyable experience.

“Dan can be a bit in your face as well, but no different to Sexton and Farrell. That is just the nature of the way they play the game and how they compete.”

Like Farrell, Biggar has been slated in the past for his arm-waving, earpopping 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: “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, there is no doubt about that.

“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 he will – of challenging the referee and being respectful to the officials, then he will be fine.

“He can be quite uptight when he is playing, but not the type to disrespect a referee. He’s also an older player and much more experienced.”

Owens says Biggar, Sexton and Farrell – ruled out of England’s campaign through injury – all push their dialogue with referees to the absolute limit and the challenge is to stay the right side of the line.

“I remember telling 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,” added Owens.

“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 when he was playing for Leinster before a Pro14 final up in Glasgow.

“He was great, too. So, often it is down to the referee to get their message across.”