Six Nations key stars: Dan Biggar set for another year as Wales general

Dylan Coetzee
Dan Biggar during a game

The 2023 Six Nations begins this weekend, and fans can expect another blockbuster Championship filled with sensational rugby, team tries and moments of individual brilliance.

In anticipation of the start of Rugby’s Greatest Championship, Planet Rugby has a closer look at key players from each team. Next up, it’s Wales playmaker Dan Biggar.

Background

Biggar was born in Morriston before going through the Ospreys pathways as a young player, making his debut for the region at 18 years old. The fly-half would not have to wait long for his Test bow as he ran out in Wales red for the first time against Canada in 2008 at 19.

The playmaker would have to fight with Rhys Priestland for the starting spot over the next few seasons until an injury to his teammate opened the door for Biggar to start all the games in the 2013 Six Nations.

From then on out, the star would continue to grow in his starting role and racked up a number of caps for Wales, resulting in a call-up for the British & Irish Lions in the 2017 New Zealand tour and the 2021 South African tour, earning three Test caps.

In 2022, Biggar would captain Wales for the Six Nations and in his 100th game in Alun Wyn Jones’ absence.

Strengths

Biggar is a Welsh legend. A fantastic fly-half with a complete skill set. The Toulon man has brilliant game management, kicking out of hand and off the tee as well as solid distribution.

Everything needed from a fly-half who is required to be a general and run a game is found in Biggar’s wheelhouse.

Biggar is well and truly the heartbeat of the Welsh side, and he will be crucial to all things good that come from Wales.

Weaknesses

The 33-year-old is mostly what a coach would want in a fly-half, but if one were to be really picky the only thing Biggar does not possess is pure running ability.

Fly-halves like Beauden Barrett and Marcus Smith can threaten the line themselves with ball in hand, attacking with pace and precision. Barrett, in particular, has changed many a game with his lightning pace.

Whilst it technically is a weakness, Biggar has built his game in such a way as to mitigate his downside with ball in hand by executing the rest of his fundamentals really well.

Six Nations history

The Welshman has had an illustrious Six Nations career, winning a Grand Slam in 2019 and two titles in 2013 and 2021.

A veteran in Rugby’s Greatest Championship, Biggar made massive contributions across all the title wins and will no doubt go down as a Welsh legend simply for his exploits in the Six Nations.

Why Biggar is crucial for Wales

Biggar is a rock for Wales, and the team’s performance has often hinged on his performance. Nevertheless, the star is often composed and can execute a game plan brilliantly.

With Warren Gatland back at the helm of Wales, he has decided to keep Biggar at 10 but pass the captaincy to hooker Ken Owens. This should free the fly-half up a bit who, at times, looked as if he could have done without the captaincy last year. However, in the circumstances, he must be applauded for his leadership last season.

Expect the fly-half to keep things tight and neat throughout the Championship as Wales recover form under Gatland.

READ MORE: Six Nations: Wales hand Leigh Halfpenny first start in 19 months for Ireland opener