Welsh legend criticises Dan Biggar inclusion

Colin Newboult

Ireland's Dan Biggar

Former Wales wing JJ Williams believes that Cardiff Blues fly-half Jarrod Evans should have been handed the shirt for this weekend’s game against England at the Principality Stadium.

Following Gareth Anscombe’s knee injury, which has cruelly robbed him of the chance of appearing at the global tournament, Dan Biggar has been named as the starting pivot for their next World Cup warm-up encounter.

There is not too much experience behind the Northampton Saints playmaker, however, and Williams insists that Evans needs game time before the team heads to Japan.

“I would have gone for Jarrod Evans in this game, it’s an ideal opportunity to try him,” he told BBC Wales Breakfast.

“We go back to Biggar you haven’t got so much of a threat, he’s a rock solid outside-half, he’ll kick the ball a lot and he’ll work hard, but we’ve said in the past we’re not going to win the World Cup with Dan Biggar in the team.”

Evans has only earned one cap for the national team, but Williams is confident that the 23-year-old can handle the pressure of Test match rugby.

He added: “He’s not a rookie, he’s a very good professional player. You’ve got three matches left and then you’ve got (Wales’ opening World Cup game) Georgia.

“I’ve heard (Wales head coach Warren) Gatland this week say he’s the sharpest out of all their backs in training, so why not give him a go, then bring Biggar on for the last 20 minutes?”

“I think he adds a little bit of something which has been lacking in midfield because that’s what we need, a little bit of excitement in that midfield area to create something so we can have space outside for our exciting back three which we don’t use.

“He’s in the same mould as Anscombe isn’t he? He adds a spark in midfield, he’s quick-thinking all the time and he’s a threat.”

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