Name a major rugby stadium and Welsh legend Dan Biggar has likely played a test match at it.
Earning 112 test caps for Wales and a further four for the British and Irish Lions, the 34-year-old Biggar has played a key role in some major test matches since making his debut in 2008.
Now plying his trade for Top 14 side Toulon, Biggar who is in the final year of his contract has began to offer some fascinating insights as a pundit.
Featuring regularly on the popular ‘The Rugby Pod’, Biggar joined former England flyhalf Andy Goode and former Scotland secondrow Jim Hamilton throughout the season to discuss the international arena that he has only recently departed.
Speaking to Goode in the latest episode of the podcast, the duo discussed the most recent round of international rugby.
Admitting that he misses the buzz that comes with top-level test rugby, Biggar spoke of his admiration for the test series between South Africa and Ireland.
Ending their two test series with one win each, the two sides added another pulsating chapter to what has quickly became the spiciest rivalry in international rugby.
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Praising the two sides, Biggar said that in his opinion they rare the two best sides in test rugby at the moment.
“The two things I took away from that game sort of straight away was how far and above those two teams are to anybody else at the minute.
“I think you’ve got Ireland and South Africa and the next best team is considerably below them I thought they were off the charts in terms of intensity physicality and just the sheer brutality.”
Highlighting how Ireland levelled the series against the World Champions as replacement Ciaran Frawley landed two drop goals, Biggar said it was the Irish attitude that stood out on the day.
“I watched the game on Saturday yesterday afternoon, and I fully agree with you.
“Ireland and Siya Kolisi’s post-match conference summed it up they lost a load more collisions this week than they did last week, which is ultimately why they (Ireland) were able to stay in the game.
“It’s a man test then when you play South Africa.” Biggar who himself edged the Boks by one point in South Africa back in 2022 said.
Focusing on the atmosphere of the past two weekends, Biggar interestingly revealed that Loftus Versfeld, where the first test was played, was the best venue he had experienced on the international stage.
“But I will say I thought I haven’t missed a huge amount of international rugby. I’ve, you know.
“Admittedly, it’s been less than a year since I’ve been retired, but last week, watching that game in Pretoria at Loftus, with the anthem and the atmosphere and things, that was probably the first time I thought that was something I miss.
“We played there two years ago, and it was comfortably the best atmosphere I’ve ever played at in my career best, best venue and the best set of fans.” He concluded.
With the Welsh legend confirming his view on the best stadium, what is the best ground you’ve been to? Let us know in the comments below.
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