Dan Biggar feels Wales have set their standard after South Africa tour

Dan Biggar says Wales have set their standard following a “hugely-positive” tour of South Africa.

Wales soared way above expectations against the world champion Springboks, claiming a first win against them on South African soil.

Although Biggar and company lost a gripping Test series 2-1, they triumphed in Bloemfontein and were only beaten by Damian Willemse’s penalty with the final kick of a magnificent first Test seven days earlier.

While South Africa bossed the third encounter and claimed a 30-14 victory, Wales can reflect with considerable satisfaction on a trip that came just four months after they lost at home to Italy and finished fifth in the Guinness Six Nations Championship.

It leaves them in a strong position ahead of next year’s World Cup, and sets up a mouth-watering autumn series when New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Georgia visit Cardiff.

“To get a win over here is a huge tick,” Wales captain Biggar said.

“Overall, it has been a hugely-positive tour. From where we came from in the Six Nations, I don’t think anybody could have predicted how it went.

“We fell a little bit short (in the third Test) after a long season, but we have said this is the standard we need to get to now, not the Six Nations, where we fell off a little bit.

“We weren’t at the races for the first 15 minutes – South Africa started really strongly. Twelve months ago, we could have conceded three or four times, but the boys dug deep and we managed to get it back to 10-8.

“It showed a huge amount of character, and we are a resolute bunch. It will stand us in brilliant stead, and it has been a really positive campaign overall.

“When we look back on the tour, I think we will have some fond memories.”

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, who