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'Lost his head': Welsh fans were fuming at Dan Biggar's late game decision
By Sam Smith
Wales’ captain Dan Biggar will be remembered as the hero in his 100th test for battling a leg injury to stay on the pitch for as long as possible, leading his side to a much-needed victory against Scotland.
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He ranked the win as one of his finest in a Welsh shirt after kicking four penalties and a drop goal after struggling with a knee problem for most of the match.
“This is one of the best victories I have had in a Welsh shirt,” Biggar said.
“We didn’t get it right last week, and when you don’t get it right – certainly in this country – you take a fair bit of flak for it.
“For me, (it is) a brilliant day. The family are here, my little boy was able to come out on the pitch afterwards. It doesn’t get a huge amount better than that.”
Dan Biggar was immense today. Reminded me of AWJ vs. Ireland in 2019. Injured early but real “I’m not leaving this pitch until we’ve won” vibes. Result meant way more than the performance but something to build on. #WALvSCO
— Nye Williams (@williams_ajc) February 12, 2022
His 69th minute drop goal ended up as the difference between the two sides as Scotland failed to respond and the scoreline remained 20-17 for the remainder of the match.
However, Biggar’s decision was vilified at the time by Welsh fans who thought that he had cost them the match with a strategic error. Scotland were down to 14-men and Wales had a penalty advantage, meaning a free play was on offer.
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A chance to score seven could have been used with the knowledge a penalty shot at goal could have been taken. The drop goal was described as ‘shocking’, ‘crazy’, ‘odd’ and ‘the worst rugby decision ever seen’ as fans struggled to comprehend what he had done.
Odd decision. But he's got the shirt on, I haven't. So I reckon Biggar knows more than I do.
Also it's his hundredth cap and he'll do what he likes. ?— *Samalamadingdong* (@sammie_moo84) February 12, 2022
Crazy decision by Dan as he had the potential of 7… but I’m not making the decision he is… I wouldn’t fancy being on the pitch with all of them.
— Alison Collins (@AlColKoel) February 12, 2022
Stupid decision to take drop goal, penalty advantage and 7 points begging to be taken.
— Lloyd Wiggins (@LloydWiggins2) February 12, 2022
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It was a penalty advantage, what the heck is Biggar doing. Have a free go out wide ffs.
— Eurig Jones (@eurigj888) February 12, 2022
Worst rugby decision I've ever seen from Biggar.
Pen advantage, a man up and he drops a goal.
Lost his head.#WALvSCO #CymvAlb
— ^|=x (@dhubbj) February 12, 2022
Big call but I’m going to say Biggar May have just lost the game with that drop kick #WALvSCO
— Ronald (@KingRonaldIV) February 12, 2022
Awful decision from biggar. Go for try and yellow card ahahah #WALvSCO
— Jack Martin (@JackMartin2100) February 12, 2022
Scotland down to 14, penalty advantage.. Dan biggar drop goal, strange decision🤷🏻♂️ #WALvSCO
— Darren Braithwaite (@dazb1987) February 12, 2022
Why has Biggar just done that #WALvSCO
— Ryan🏴 (@ryanxab) February 12, 2022
However, points on the board are all that matters and the match played out in Biggar’s favour as the three points was the last scoring act of the game from either side.
The backlash was the ultimate prisoner-of-the-moment reaction from fans who failed to realise that a lead is still a lead and perhaps a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.
Similar critcisms were aimed at James Ryan and his Irish side for not attempting to go for a try when down by six points late in their loss in Paris. Ireland took the three to close the gap to 27-24 but couldn’t then find another blow in the final eight minutes.
The result didn’t end up in Ireland’s favour so the decision for three has come under the microscope.
