By Graham Thomas
Dan Biggar can be a dream Six Nations captain – and not the referees’ biggest nightmare – according to the former No.1 official in the world, 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, 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,” says Owens.
“Sexton has been hugely influential with Ireland and the same goes for Farrell with England.
Highlights from Wales’ first week in camp! #Trainhard #weekonedone #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/F2Elh0rZp5
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 28, 2022
“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 he is no different in that respect to Sexton and Farrell. That is just the nature of the way they play the game 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 adds: “I think he’s a good choice as captain as he does have the respect of the players and he 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 that he will – of challenging the referee and being respectful to the officials, then he will be fine.
“He can 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 says Biggar, Sexton and Farrell – who has been 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.
“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.
“If there are any issues or concerns, come and have a conversation with me and I will gladly listen to what you have to say. But what I don’t want is a confrontation where you shake your head and wave your arms in the air.
“He was great, too. So, often it is down to the referee to get their message across.
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Wales have named a 36-man squad for the Guinness Six Nations featuring three uncapped players as Dan Biggar captains for the campaign.
➥ Dan Biggar fydd capten Cymru ar gyfer Chwe Gwlad 2022.
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 18, 2022
“Captains do sometimes feel they can challenge referees, but the relationship has to remain respectful and within the laws and spirit of the game.”
Wales will need all of Biggar’s experience and tactical expertise while getting on the right side of Peyper if they are to stand any chance of emerging victorious in Dublin on Saturday.
Owen believes Biggar is the right choice as captain but says the way the skipper deals with the officials at the Aviva Stadium will be crucial to any chance of Welsh success.
“It’s about challenging the referee and asking the important questions when there are issues. If he does that, then he will be a very good captain and leader for Wales, in the same mould as Sexton and Farrell have been.
“Those two can sometimes get agitated with referees, but on the whole, they are good leaders. Like them, Dan is a winner.
“I think he will prove to be a good captain. Like many players, when they are out on that field, they are so focused on the job they have to do, that they can get worked up.
“As captain, you have to keep those emotions under control and get the balance right on what you say and how you say it.
“Asking, rather than telling, is the key.”
