Sexton 'near top' of Biggar's most difficult opponents

Wales captain Dan Biggar says that Johnny Sexton "would be very near the top" in terms of a most difficult opponent during his rugby career.

The fly-half rivals – 2017 British and Irish Lions colleagues in New Zealand – are set for the latest of their many career battles when Ireland and Wales kick off this season's Guinness Six Nations on Saturday (2.15pm).

Between them, they have won 196 caps for their countries and amassed almost 1,500 points, and their influence shows no sign of waning.

"Whenever I get asked who has been the most difficult person to play against of the last 10-12 years, there is no doubt Johnny’s name would be very near the top," Biggar said.

"He is very similar to myself in terms of the drive, the will to win, scrapping for absolutely everything on the field.

"It’s a testament to him in how he has managed to handle himself and keep his form going into his mid-30s. I don’t think anyone is sure how old he really is!

"He is going really strong, and I’ve got a huge amount of time for Johnny. There are very few people more deserving of 100 caps in international rugby than Johnny.

"It is always a challenge playing against him. We may not be the best of friends for 80 minutes on the pitch and quite narky at each other.

"But away from the field, he is an absolute pleasure to deal with and I have a huge amount of time for him."

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Biggar takes the captaincy reins from an injured Alun Wyn Jones as Wales begin their Six Nations title defence.

Jones' absence is among several to hit head coach Wayne Pivac’s plans, with his fellow Lions like Leigh Halfpenny, Ken