Wales star Dan Biggar thankful to avoid Wayne Rooney-style criticism

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar says he has taken stock of the criticism levelled at him following defeat to Australia and admitted that it could be worse - he could be Wayne Rooney.

Biggar has described his country as a "goldfish bowl" after international rugby matches and insists he and his group have to ignore most of the hyperbole and keep a level head.

The 27-year-old wins his 50th Wales cap against Argentina in Cardiff on Sunday and he is determined to hit back with a victory.

"I am not on social media but, of course, you pick up little things and what people say in articles," he said.

"But, for me, it's just part and parcel of the game. The way I look at it, I'm in a great position. Imagine being someone like Wayne Rooney.

"Over the last three months and the press he has received; their disgusting treatment of one of England's better players. If I think I'm having a tough time, just look at him. 

"Living and playing in Wales can be very much a goldfish bowl. Sometimes, it can be nice to be outside of that and get on with your day-to-day life. I don't take any notice of the criticism.

"It's always easier to slow the tape down and criticise after the event. If everyone had gone out there and not tried (last Saturday) and rolled over, been lax and not hurt by it then fair enough. But it is not as if we weren't trying.

"We were hugely disappointed. We've spoken very honestly about it but now it's about focusing on Argentina, putting a better performance in, enjoying ourselves a bit more, and taking a little bit of pressure off ourselves."