“I’ll be tuning in and I expect the boys will do well – Saturday should be a good start for them with South Africa resting quite a few players,” said the outgoing Ospreys marksman in between signing autographs and having his photograph taken with eager fans at the Welsh Rugby Union’s shop earlier this week.
Biggar, who departed the Guinness Pro 14 as the all-time leading points-scorer with 1,585 points, edging past Dan Parks by a mere three points during the 5th/6th place play-off against Ulster, would have preferred to have added to his tally of 62 Welsh caps, but he understands fully why head coach Warren Gatland has decided to give a number of key players the summer off.
“Initially I was a little bit disappointed to be left at home and not have the chance to represent my country again but I think probably when you look at the bigger picture it’s a big year next year (with the World Cup in Japan) and especially with changing clubs as well, it was probably the right decision and should be of huge benefit in the long run for the next 12 to 18 months.
With a further two Tests against Argentina following the Boks clash, there is ample opportunity for players to shine and put down a marker as Gatland begins to pencil in names for his World Cup squad.
“I’ll be watching and I’ll be pretty calm to be honest,” before adding with a laugh, “the exact opposite of what I am on the field probably.
“It’s a young squad going out there but it’s a squad with some boys having a lot of experience as well so I think that will stand them in good stead – and fingers crossed – I expect the boys to do well on tour.”
Bigger will be keeping a close eye on Gareth Anscombe who has been handed the keys to No 10 against the Boks and hopes he does well, although he makes no secret of the fact that he wants to be first-choice when it comes to the autumn fixtures and Six Nations.
“Of course you want all the boys to do well – all the boys are great and there is a great camaraderie – the squad is a happy squad in general and whenever we meet up and whoever is in the squad, it’s always a happy squad.
“The big aim in the next 15 months is the World Cup next September so you want as many boys possible playing well with confidence as high as possible. There’s still a long time between now and the World Cup and it’s just about keeping fit and keeping some form and pushing yourself.”
Biggar is confident Ellis Jenkins can lead Wales to victory against South Africa before the squad head for a daunting assignment in Argentina.
“I’ve never actually played there but from speaking to boys who have, it can be a pretty hostile atmosphere and they thrive on that,” he said.
“The Pumas play a brand of rugby with plenty of off-loads and physicality so the defensive systems are going to be tested because of the way they keep hold of the ball. They don’t kick the ball a huge amount so you would expect them to keep hold of the ball for long periods.
“If you look at the way their Super Rugby team plays, which is basically the Argentinean team, they are on an excellent run in the championship where they have had some good wins in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It’s a tough, tough challenge for the boys but I do really think they will do well over there.”
