Wales face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium today hoping to keep alive their hopes of recording back to back grand slams. With storm Chiara set to hit the Emerald Isle, weather conditions are unlikely to be conducive to running rugby.
And with the weather in mind Biggar believes it is imperative Wales win the collisions against Andy Farrell’s side.
“Every time you play Ireland you are always going to be in an arm-wrestle,” said Biggar.
“It’s about trying to win as many collisions as possible, control the territory as much as possible.
“What we have worked on this week is trying to stop any momentum they get in their game. Once they get onto the front foot with the ball-carriers and the experts they have at nine and 10, they can pull you around the field quite sharply.
“That has been a big focus for us. I suppose it is probably going to be one for the purists.
“The weather is not going to be great by all accounts, so it’s certainly going to be a case of rolling your sleeves up. But it’s great, isn’t it?
“This is what the tournament is all about, going away from home and trying to pick up an away win and keep the game alive.”
Biggar is also relishing his personal battle with hugely influential Ireland outside-half Johnny Sexton. The pair were teammates on the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and Biggar has nothing but admiration for the Ireland captain.
He said: “He has been almost Ireland’s best player for the last 10 to 12 years. It is great to play against Johnny and he is one of the best blokes that you will meet.
“He knows their game inside out, will be driving them around the field, and I suppose it is up to us on Saturday to try and make life as uncomfortable for him as possible. If we give him a free ride and let him dictate play, we have seen over the years how good a player Johnny is.
“We need to try and force some errors out of him. That is our plan, to try and make life difficult for nine and 10, and that starts with stopping momentum which has been a big thing for us this week.”
The 80 times capped Wales international is in a rich vein of form with his spectacular between the legs pass against Italy putting Josh Adams over at the corner. And despite having to first win the physical battle Biggar insists Wales will play as positively as they can.
He said: “It’s great to have an opportunity to be as positive as I can. Conversely it’s still a Test match so it’s about playing in the right areas, winning as many collisions as possible, dictating play.
“When you do that you’re able to flick the ball and play some expansive rugby.”
