‘It’s been a hugely positive tour’: Dan Biggar is optimistic about Wales’ progress despite their series defeat in South Africa… after putting in encouraging performances just months after a string of bad performances in the Six Nations
Wales lost their run in South Africa, but Dan Biggar remains positive
They took a win on their last tour, despite Italy losing in the Six Nations
Biggar wants his side to use their recent performances to boost their future
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Dan Biggar has urged his Wales side to regularly meet the standards they have set in South Africa and not fall back on the lack of their Six Nations shows.
At the start of the year, Wayne Pivac’s side could only beat Scotland to their European rivals, losing to Italy for the first time.
But against all odds, Pivac, Biggar & Co reacted in style in South Arica and tasted victory on Springbok soil for the first time.
Captain Dan Biggar led Wales to their first win in South Africa in 2-1 series defeat
A win in the series might have eluded them, but there were plenty of Welsh positives to take – despite being beaten in Saturday’s decider by hosts Jacques Nienaber.
“It will always be disappointing to lose at the end, but to win here is a huge tick,” said captain Biggar of the 2-1 series defeat. “It has been a very positive tour.
“From where we came from in the Six Nations, I don’t think anyone could have predicted it. We came up a little short after a long season, but we said this is the standard we need to get now, not the Six Nations where we fell off a bit.”
The Wales captain encouraged his side to gain confidence in the series despite the result
The three games showed that with continuity in the squad and the best players available, Wales can harass the best in the world.
Head coach Pivac also learned that Leicester winger Tommy Reffell is a true test quality player.
Wales’ 30-14 loss in Cape Town also showed promising signs of a rebound for George North, who is still at his best after a year out with a serious knee injury. Reffell scored Wales’ lone try in the third Test, as the South African forwards eventually came out on top at the DHL Stadium, on appalling ground not acceptable for Test rugby.
“When we meet in the autumn, we will be a year away from the World Cup and we have to build on that,” said coach Pivac. ‘The positives outweigh the negatives.’
South Africa – Trying: Pollard 14, Mbonambi 38, Kolisi 53. cons: Pollard 16, 39, 54. Pens: Pollard 5, 78, 80.
Wales – Tries: Reffel 19. Pens: Biggar 33,42,48.