Dan Biggar’s pre-match comments have come back to bite him after a Finn Russell-inspired Scotland earned a record victory against Wales.
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A dominant performance in the second half led Scotland to secure their second bonus-point victory in the Six Nations competition as they defeated Wales 35-7 at Murrayfield.
Tries from George Turner, Kyle Steyn (2), and Blair Kinghorn, resulted in a comfortable win that puts them on equal footing with Ireland in the Six Nations table.
Prior to the game, Biggar said: "Scotland played well last week against England, but according to you guys [media] they are the best team around, aren’t they?
“We will have to see how they go on Saturday, see if they can back it up
“The pressure is all on them. They are red-hot favourites, best team in the tournament, so we will see how they go [on] Saturday.
“We don’t seem to get any credit, and other teams seem to get a lot of praise for probably not quite the success we’ve had, but that’s how it goes.
Jamie Ritchie's response:
According to Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie, he stated that he was unaware of Biggar's remarks until after the game was finished. “I didn't know he has said anything like that but talk is cheap.
"We have not won anything yet, we have won two games and we are just looking forward to performing well against France.
"They have had medals in the past but he can say what he wants.”
“2/10” – Five players who underperformed in today’s Six Nations action
Let's examine five players who underperformed on the first day of the second round of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
#1. George North (Wales)
Wales Online 4/10: "Underwent a HIA after shipping an illegal hit to the head area from George Turner. Returned and ran hard but without seriously threatening."
Planet Rugby 4/10: "The veteran had little impact with ball in hand and went off for a HIA after the high tackle from George Turner."
Rugby Pass 4/10: "Had a handful of decent carries before going off for an HIA. Anonymous in the second half aside from a penalty conceded."
#2. Uini Atonio (France)
Planet Rugby 4/10: "A forgettable performance from the tighthead prop who cost his side when he was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Rob Herring. He was also caught out for the opening try from Hugo Keenan."
#3. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Wales Online 4/10: "“Who the f**k do you think you are?” Biggar asked Ben White amid a mini dust-up on the half-hour mark. Wales’ fly-half found it hard to ask questions of Scotland’s defence, though."
Planet Rugby 3/10: "A blow-par performance from the Wales pivot who missed a sitter of a penalty, by his high standards, in the first half. The Welsh attack did not fire at all with the playmaker on the pitch, and he was outplayed"
Rugby Pass 2/10: "Gave away a daft offside penalty, shanked a couple of kicks and flung a pass behind his back into touch on the stroke of half time. Looked frustrated all first half. Was far from his best last week, but was an active problem today."
#4. Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Rugby Pass 6/10: "Still giving away far too many silly penalties, including the one that let Wales back into the game. Worked hard and the pick of the front five defensively with 17 tackles."
Planet Rugby 6/10: "A solid first game back from the tighthead, but the scrum was not really a factor in the game."
#5. Yoram Moefana (France)
Planet Rugby 5/10: "A quiet game from the inside centre who was less impactful on attack than he has been in the last 12 months. Sound on defence."
Rugby Pass 5/10: "While lacking the razzmatazz of his colleagues, Moefana brings a workmanlike solidity to the French midfield. A helpful onlooker at times here though."
