Anxious wait for Dan Biggar after Umaga challenge

Northampton and the Lions face a nervous wait in the wake of the Saints’ victory over Wasps. 

Biggar carried out a dangerous clear-out on Wasps flyhalf Jacob Umaga but missed punishment from the referee. However, the Welsh pivot could still be cited for his actions and, given the nature of the hit, could very well face time on the sidelines, which might have a detrimental effect on his Lions chances. Biggar is the current favourite to start tests in the famous, red, number 10 jersey. 

Biggar put in a fine performance otherwise, kicking a total of 13 points for his side.  

Wasps head coach Lee Blackett seemed amazed that Biggar had not been taken to task by referee Adam Leal and the rest of the officiating team. 

“I just don’t think the TMO wanted to look at it for some reason!” Blackett said. “He chose during the game when he wanted to come in and when he didn’t want to come in. You’ve got young officials out there on the field, that’s where you need the experience!” 

Saints boss Chris Boyd was in happier spirits after the match, full of praise for Biggar and Cortney Lawes in particular. 

“Courtney is a world-class player,” Boyd said. “He makes a big difference. We asked him how he was feeling after 70 minutes and he came back with a bundle of expletives to suggest he’d done his shift. He was aching and puffing a bit but he was outstanding. 

“Dan trained well this week and he was also orchestrating things out there again. He will be all the better for that run out and played a major role again.”