Dan Biggar is the main concern of the British & Irish Lions, who are heading to the second Test in Cape Town next Saturday when a win would secure a first straight win in South Africa in 24 years.
The 31-year-old Welshman, who has established himself as the Lions’ first choice on this tour, beat the Springboks in a 22:17 comeback win on Saturday.
However, Biggar was forced to tackle Damian de Allende in the 67th minute for an HIA, which he failed and did not return. Elliot Daly returned to the fight and Owen Farrell switched to the outer half.
Biggar was seen partying after the full-time whistle and wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: “Unfortunately I had to leave because Siya Kolisi’s knees on the side of my head when I came out of a jolt. I feel good and am already looking forward to next week. “
Chances are the Lions will call Biggar back to “10” when they announce their team, which is scheduled for Thursday but moved up 24 hours last week, with Farrell on the bench.
History of concussions
That said, Biggar has a history of concussions and he must undergo World Rugby’s rigorous six-step, tiered return-to-play protocols. Therefore, if Biggar has any setbacks, he will be banned from the second test next Saturday with a seven day turnaround.
That would mean Farrell sealed the win with his only shot on goal but didn’t look at his best on this tour, starting at “10” and either Finn Russell or the inexperienced Marcus Smith on the bench or the Lions could choose Stuart Let Hogg cover half of it.
There has been no real update on Russell’s wellbeing since Gatland confirmed two weeks ago that the Scottish Foreign Minister had received an injection for “a small, tiny tear” in his Achilles tendon that would incapacitate him for “the next few weeks”.
Welsh loser Wyn Jones, who was forced to retire from the first Test with a shoulder injury, is expected to be fit while Gatland and Co have other selection issues to consider. Despite performing well, Anthony Watson was unusually insecure under the high ball and was to blame for Willie le Roux’s attempt when he missed Pieter Steph du Toit after picking up an idiosyncratic pass from Handre Pollard.
Given the Lions’ vulnerability under high springbok balls and kicks from behind, room must certainly be found for Liam Williams. You’re sure to consider making a midfield move too, say promoting Bundee Aki and moving Robbie Henshaw, considering Elliot Daly is mixed.
At least they do so from a position of strength, after a fourth win, to go with a draw and just two losses in seven Tests with Gatland as head coach.
“It’s definitely up there. Every Lions test win is special, ”Gatland said when asked to rate it. “It was a challenge for us. We worked hard and the most pleasing thing for me was how much we grew into the game after losing points and a bit of pressure to keep our cool and fight back. Beating the world champions in your own backyard is really something very special. “
Setback
The Lions go into the second Test knowing that a win would only secure the third straight win in the last dozen tours dating back to the 1890s, but also knowing that a Boks setback awaits.
“We know what we have achieved today, but we also know what we have not achieved. There is still a lot to do, ”admitted the seemingly resilient and indefatigable Captain Alun Wyn Jones after his steadfast 80-minute shift. (The Welsh warrior even led the Lions tackle count at 10).
“This is a three-test series. If we know the caliber of the players and the attitudes of our opponents, next week will go through the roof and we will have to get better again, primarily looking at ourselves, but also dealing with what we know what is coming next week will. ”
