Neil Jenkins ranks Dan Biggar as one of Northern Hemisphere's top tens
Friday 11 March 2016 18:15, UK
Neil Jenkins believes that alongside Johnny Sexton, Wales' Dan Biggar is the Northern Hemisphere's finest number 10 - regardless of Eddie Jones' claims he can be exploited.
The England head coach is preparing his team to face Wales in what could be a Six Nations decider and he has said he noticed weaknesses in the fly-half's game in 2013 that are still present.
Wales skills coach Jenkins, now a specialist in kicking after being a prolific fly-half and full-back for his country, dismissed Jones' comments on Biggar, saying: "It's up to Eddie whatever he thinks or whatever he sees.
"Dan has come on incredibly in these last couple of years, he did very well for us in 2013, was probably very unlucky not to go on the Lions tour - there was a lot of good players vying for that position at that time, and the players that were selected were extremely talented.
"Dan just missed out, but his improvement from then until now is huge. He's matured as a person, matured as a player. If he (Jones) sees something in his game, that's up to Eddie. I'm sure if that's what he thinks he'll try and target it in some way, shape or form.
"As far as we're concerned he's a world-class 10. He's one of (the best 10s in the Northern Hemisphere), that's for sure. Dan's right up there with Johnny Sexton.
"He's certainly dictating the way we play and how we go about our business and our games. He's leading the team by example for me, he's not captain, but obviously with his actions on the pitch. He's a very good player for us and someone the guys look up to."
Saturday's fixture at Twickenham marks referee Craig Joubert's first Test since he controversially awarded Australia a late, decisive penalty which eliminated Scotland from the World Cup when they were on the verge of reaching the semi-finals.
In the build-up to the game Jones has claimed the Welsh scrummage "terribly illegally" while Wales have similarly accused England prop Joe Marler of scrummaging misdemeanors.
Jones, who has a reputation for engaging in mind games, also said that referees are reluctant to penalise Wales' scrum through concerns they will be accused of ruining matches.
But Jenkins said: "Craig's (Joubert) been one of the best for a long time period and he'll assess the scrums as he sees them.
"Irrelevant of what coaches say there will always be things said in the press, whether it be attack, scrummaging or contact area.
"It makes no difference to us, it's a humongous game irrelevant of anything else. Whatever the coaches say we've got a game to focus on and a big Test match to win. I think very highly of Craig as a referee and I'm sure he'll have a good game."
