Battling Biarritz managed to hit back after being 14 points adrift late on in the second half and almost snatched a draw at the death when England wing Ian Balshaw popped up on the opposite side to take a pass and race clear in the 22.
But English referee Andrew Small spotted a forward pass and the chance was lost. Biarritz were adamant after the game that an Ospreys hand had deflected the ball, but they could still be content leaving with a point.
You had to go back to the Leicester Tigers win in 2005 for the last time the Ospreys had been beaten at home in Europe and thanks to Biggar’s mighty boot – he landed a magnificent seven penalties and a conversion for a man of the match winning haul of 23 points – their successful run continued.
Damien Traille gave Biarritz the lead with a drop goal and it was still very tight at the break with Biggar replying with two penalties to make it 6-3. He then added five more after the break, as well as a conversion of Tommy Bowe’s try, and it was too much for the visitor’s to claw back.
Balshaw’s two tries brought Biarritz back to within striking distance and that all important losing bonus point could yet prove vital in the final analysis in January when the quarter-final places are determined.
Â
