Toulon and Former Wales Fly-Half Dan Biggar Weighs In on England’s Number 10 Jersey Ahead of All Blacks Tests
As England prepares to take on the mighty All Blacks in a two-Test series in New Zealand next month, former Wales international Dan Biggar has shared his insight on who should don the coveted number 10 jersey for the Red Rose.
With Saracens and ex-England captain Owen Farrell no longer eligible due to his impending move to Racing 92, the race is on between Harlequins’ Marcus Smith and Northampton Saints’ Fin Smith, as well as Sale Sharks’ George Ford, to claim the fly-half spot.
Biggar, who earned 116 caps for Wales and the British & Irish Lions between 2008 and 2023 before retiring from Test rugby after last year’s World Cup, believes Fin Smith’s superior game management gives him the edge over his compatriot Marcus.
“For me, at this moment in time, they’re both playing in successful club teams, they’re both so confident, I don’t think it matters who plays 10 for England at the minute,” Biggar told The Rugby Pod. “If it was up to me, I would probably stick with Fin at the minute. I would give him an opportunity to go and showcase his talent against the best in the world in one of the most difficult places to go and win rugby matches.”
The 34-year-old feels Fin Smith’s ability to manage the game and bring his teammates into play, much like the way Owen Farrell and George Ford have done for England in recent years, could be the decisive factor.
“Fin’s ability to bring people into play is a huge, huge part. You look at Owen and George in the way that England have played over the last 10 years, it’s not been so much their individual ability but their ability to bring people into play,” Biggar explained.
However, the former Wales fly-half acknowledges that Marcus Smith’s outstanding skill set and ability to produce “moments of magic” could still see him involved in some capacity, especially in tight games.
Ultimately, Biggar believes the game plan that England head coach Steve Borthwick decides to employ against the All Blacks will be a significant factor in determining who wears the number 10 jersey.
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