Wales fly-half Biggar has been in fine form on the tour of the Rainbow Nation so far and is very much in the frame to start against the Springboks this weekend.
Before flying to South Africa, Biggar lost his mum Liz who sadly passed away.
“It was a challenging couple of weeks before the tour,” Biggar said.
“I’ve tried to focus everything on this week and putting myself in the best possible shape to be selected on Saturday. If it happens, then brilliant.
“If it doesn’t, you have to dust yourself down and go again. It’s huge. It’ll be very emotional either way.
“My mum is not around to watch if the selection goes the right way and, from the other side, if the selection doesn’t go the right way, you’ve got one less person who is close to you to lean on.
“It’ll be satisfying if I get it done in terms of selection. It’s been a difficult few months. I am focusing now on hopefully being as successful as possible in the next few weeks to make it worthwhile.
“That’s what’s helped me over the last few months – that I’ve had something to go into work every day and focus on to take my mind off other things.
“I see it as a real positive in terms of jumping in with both feet and getting everything sorted ahead of a huge week.
“This has been a really good distraction for me in terms of preparing. I am lucky to have loads of good people around me as well which helps.
“I just hope it is worthwhile, not just for me, but everyone else is going through tough times away from home and missing families as well.”
Wales fly-half Dan Biggar has impressed on the Lions tour so far
It’ll be satisfying if I get it done in terms of selection. It’s been a difficult few months. I am focusing now on hopefully being as successful as possible in the next few weeks to make it worthwhile
Biggar continued: “For us to get off to a good start on Saturday and then build on that as the weeks go on would be worthwhile for being away for so long in such a tough situation.
“It’s surreal knowing that whoever is involved on Saturday, that is what everyone in the UK is going to be doing. Their whole day is going to be based around 6pm or 5pm at home.
“It’s a nice feeling thinking that 20 odd years ago, that was me settling down and watching and hopefully I will be involved on Saturday for other people to watch.”
The Lions have had a successful tour of South Africa to date and have lost just one match to the country’s A side which fielded 11 2019 World Cup winners in their starting XV.
Looking ahead to the first Test, Biggar added: “Generally, the squad is really excited we are getting to the business end of it and the reason why we all got on the plane in the first place.
“There is a little bit of a different feel about the place, but also lots of excitement as well.
“This time around, for as far back as I can remember from the tours I have watched or been involved in, is probably as open as it has been for selection. I will always prepare as if I am selected.”
Biggar in action the last time he faced South Africa – at the 2019 Rugby World Cup
Generally, the squad is really excited that we are getting to the business end of it and the reason why we all got on the plane in the first place
Biggar’s last game against South Africa was with Wales in the 2019 World Cup semi-final – one in which the Springboks came out on top 19-16.
“They’ve done extremely well in their style of play,” said Biggar.
“They’re heavily reliant on set-piece and getting on the front foot in terms of their forward carriers, in particular off nine. You know you’re going to be in a kicking battle when you play South Africa.
“The amount of kicks on Saturday is going to be pretty high with how they play and what they want you to do.
“They want you to make errors in your own half to allow them to have territory and to get into their power game.
“What’s perhaps most impressive about South Africa is you kind of know everything they’re about to throw at you, but it’s still very difficult if they do it well.
“This is a hugely special week for everyone, for the whole of the rugby world really, so it’s important that you enjoy it, don’t see it as a burden, and don’t stress yourself out too much before Saturday.
“It’s important we just enjoy the week and enjoy the challenge of what’s coming on Saturday.”
The amount of kicks on Saturday is going to be pretty high with how South Africa play and what they want you to do
