Biggar tipped to make impact on Welsh rugby

Ospreys fly-half prospect Dan Biggar has been tipped to make “a significant impact” on Welsh rugby.

The 20-year-old will win his fourth cap when Wales continue their autumn internationals by tackling Samoa in Cardiff on Friday night.

He replaces the vastly-experienced Stephen Jones – almost 12 years Biggar’s senior – for Wales’ first fixture against Samoa since 2000.

And Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes Biggar, who made his Test debut during last year’s autumn series, has a glittering future.

Gatland said: “We need to look at options at 10. Dan has been playing well for the Ospreys, and we want to continue with his development.

“We see him as a player who is the next generation of number 10s in Wales.

“He has shown all the right signs of a young 10 who is mature beyond his years.

“We think he is going to have a significant impact on Welsh rugby.”

Gatland has made five changes from the side beaten 19-12 by New Zealand last weekend.

Cardiff Blues’ 21-year-old flanker Sam Warburton is among the players called up, winning just his second cap.

Warburton takes over from Blues colleague Martyn Williams, while one other switch up front sees a start for Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett.

Behind the scrum, Biggar, Blues wing Tom James and Sale Sharks scrum-half Dwayne Peel all start as respective replacements for Jones, Shane Williams and Gareth Cooper.

Peel’s stint in the Guinness Premiership is likely to end when his existing Sale contract expires next year.

Rather than facing the All Blacks, Peel made a substitute’s appearance for Sale in their low-key LV= Cup defeat against Newport Gwent Dragons the previous evening.

Because the New Zealand fixture fell outside the International Rugby Board’s recognised autumn Test window, Premier Rugby’s directive to their 12 member clubs is that players should not be released for Tests not involving England.

It was not the first time for Peel to be affected by such a stance, and will undoubtedly prove a major reason behind any move away from English rugby.

“It was bitterly disappointing, very frustrating,” said Peel, who watched from the stands as Wales were defeated.

“It was a ruling put in place by Premier Rugby. I didn’t agree with it, but there was nothing really that could have been done.”

As for his playing future, Peel added: “I haven’t really sat down to think about it yet.

“I’ve focused, really, on getting back fit and playing well for Sale. I will worry about that afterwards.

“It is for me to sit down when the time right is right and discuss it. I will have to speak to a number of people, and go from there.

“I’ve been really looking forward to having a crack at these autumn games. It’s a big opportunity, and the ball is in my court to perform.

“It is definitely a big few weeks for me.”