Wales centre Jamie Roberts hailed Dan Biggar’s instrumental second-half display in their 21-13 victory over England and said Warren Gatland can capitalise upon the depth of his squad to win the 2019 Guinness Six Nations.
Wales came back from behind to crush England’s Grand Slam dream with a record-breaking 12th consecutive Test win thanks to second-half tries from Cory Hill and Josh Adams.
Fly-half Biggar replaced Gareth Anscombe when his side were 10-9 down with 20 minutes left to play and put in a stellar performance to swing the match in Wales’ favour.
The fly-half drilled a superb touch finder soon after arriving, climbed high to claim an up and under and then laid on the perfect cross-field kick for Adams’ late score.
And British & Irish Lion Roberts insists the tussle for the Wales No.10 jersey will be crucial in ensuring further success.
“I’m delighted Warren Gatland has got that headache,” said Roberts at Guinness event on Saturday alongside Will Greenwood and Ieuan Evans.
“But in (Dan) Biggar, Wales have such a good option to come off the bench.
“He is a very experienced player who showed the qualities in his kicking game when he came on.
“Every kick was on the money. Not 5m too long, or 5m too short.
“His mental discipline in the big arenas is fantastic. Gatland doesn’t have to be worried about the player who comes on in place of the number 10.
“Wales have some wonderful young 10s waiting in the wings. There is so much strength in depth and more and more competition for places.
“This machine is growing, and at a very nice pace.”
With three consecutive victories and a two-point lead at the top of the 2019 standings, a Grand Slam is well in sight for Warren Gatland’s side.
But Roberts pointed out the dangers of Wales becoming complacent as they approach their final two matches of the Championship.
They face a stern test away in Edinburgh in two weeks’ time, before hosting reigning champions Ireland at home on the final matchday.
“Wales are going to Murrayfield knowing that it is a Grand Slam decider,” he added.
“There is no doubt the lads are going to rest up. They need it.
“It is a potential banana skin. We have to be aware that Wales lost to Scotland two years ago at Murrayfield.
“I think they have the quality to win it, but they will have to be right at the top of their game once again.”
