Thursday 17 September 2015 16:10, UK
Former Wales international Neil Jenkins has shown his support for Dan Biggar, backing him to thrive in the role of Wales’ principal World Cup goalkicker.
Biggar will step up as first-choice marksman after Leigh Halfpenny was ruled out of the tournament 12 days ago.
Halfpenny, who has scored more than 500 points in 62 Tests, suffered a serious knee injury during Wales' final World Cup warm-up game against Italy.
Jenkins, who has worked closely with both players during their rise through the ranks, believes that fly-half Biggar offers a seamless transition, and has what it takes to step up to the plate.
"We have lost one of the best [goalkickers] in Leigh Halfpenny, but between him and Dan it is probably touch and go between them anyway," the Wales assistant coach and kicking specialist said.
"Leigh took over the [Wales] kicking four years ago and deserves his place as one of the best in the world, if not the best. Dan is incredibly close, if not on a par with him.
“Dan has matured into a word-class 10, and that shows in the way he is performing and conducts himself on the pitch. Any 10 in any side is generally the leader and who the players look to, and he has certainly given us that.”
"We are very lucky in that regard to have someone like Dan to come in and be able to do the job that he does with the Ospreys, week in, week out, and do a very good job for us.
"Dan has matured into a word-class 10, and that shows in the way he is performing and conducts himself on the pitch. Any 10 in any side is generally the leader and who the players look to, and he has certainly given us that."
Wales kick off their World Cup campaign against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.
