As tough as it gets: Dan Biggar aware of challenge facing Wales in South Africa

Wales captain Dan Biggar readily admits that Saturday’s first Test assignment against world champions South Africa at altitude in Pretoria is “about as tough as it gets”.

But Biggar is also upbeat about Wales’ prospects across a three-match series, which begins at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld.

Wales have never beaten the Springboks in South Africa, losing 10 previous encounters and conceding a total of more than 400 points.

They also tackle Siya Kolisi’s team on the back of a dismal home defeat against Italy that consigned them to a fifth-place Guinness Six Nations finish.

“We know the challenge that lies ahead,” Biggar said.

“It’s probably up there with the biggest challenges in world rugby, playing the world champions, the number one-ranked team in their own backyard at altitude in front of 50,000 Springboks supporters.

“It is about as tough as it gets, but I think what the squad has done off the back of a disappointing end to the Six Nations is we’ve really come together.

“We have said it is almost like a fresh start, a clean slate, and just go out there with a bit of freedom and really express ourselves.

“Because if we listen to everything that is being reported, everything in the media, fans, pundits and everyone, we may as well not turn up and have three weeks on holiday here.

“So from our point of view, it will show a lot of character about us on Saturday, and I am hoping that can shine through.

“We played here in 2014, in Durban for the first Test, and we were out of the game inside 20 minutes.

“We got absolutely blown away, and they are a very difficult team to play against at the best of times, let alone when you’ve got to chase the game.

“We are all aware of what lies in wait if we can pull off one of the best