Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton set for epic fly-half battle in opener... But who's the better player?

First topic message reminder :

Well this should be interesting, I wonder if we can debate about this without it turning into an argument, I found this article very interesting:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/six-nations-2016-dan-biggar-10690462

Do you agree with this ?


And for those of you who do not like clicking on the links:-


06:00, 6 JAN 2016
BY GARETH GRIFFITHS
The two are likely to go head-to-head when Wales visit Ireland on the first weekend in a battle which will go a long way to deciding who will come out on top
   


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Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton are the two star fly-halves for Wales and Ireland
It’s just a month before Wales’ Six Nations opener against Ireland which will pit Europe’s two finest outside-halves against each other as Johnny Sexton faces Dan Biggar.

And there could be a mouthwatering warm-up confrontation this Friday when Sexton’s Leinster arrive in Swansea to tackle Biggar’s Ospreys in the Guinness Pro12 match at the Liberty Stadium on Friday evening.

Dan Biggar of Wales is tackled by Jonny Sexton of IrelandDan Biggar of Wales is tackled by Jonny Sexton of Ireland
READ MORE: When will Wales' Six Nations squad be announced?

Sexton had suffered a dead leg in the victory over Connacht last weekend but Leinster are hopeful he will prove his fitness.

There is a Lions tour of New Zealand looming on the horizon next year so this could be a couple of early occasions for the opposing outside-halves to set down a marker and get one over on their rivals.

So how do the two decision-makers shape up against each other? Here, Gareth Griffiths takes a look...

FORM
Biggar: 9

Sexton: 7

Biggar has enjoyed a stunning 12 months which included an excellent World Cup where he orchestrated the victory over England at Twickenham.

Steve Pope/ SPORTINGWALESDan Biggar receives the Wales Sports Personality of the Year award from Nigel Owens
Has also been in fine form since he returned to the Ospreys. Sexton was excellent in patches during the World Cup and was sorely missed in the quarter-final defeat against Argentina after he was forced out through injury.

Has been part of a Leinster side who are excelling in the league with five straight wins though they have lost all four of their matches in Europe.

WalesOnline
ATTACK
Biggar: 7

Sexton: 8

Wales backs coach Rob Howley had always urged Biggar to improve his attacking threat and the Ospreys outside-half has managed this over the last couple of years.

Ireland's Johnny Sexton scores his side's third try of the gameIreland's Johnny Sexton scores a try against Wales
RELATED: The Wales Six Nations injury bulletin

Sexton made his name as a running Leinster outside-half bringing out the best of the likes of Gordon D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll early in his career although it can be argued he has become more conservative.

DEFENCE
Biggar: 8

Sexton: 7

You will struggle to find a more committed defender to have worn the Wales No.10 jersey than Biggar. Maybe only Stephen Jones can rival him.

Dan Biggar has been in superb form for the Ospreys this season
Sexton will tackle but has suffered from concussion issues over the last few years and every time he makes a heavy challenge, you fear for his health.

Who's the better fly-half?
Dan Biggar
Johnny Sexton
TACTICAL KICKING
Biggar: 8

Sexton: 9

Sexton has become a master at the tactical game and can often put the ball anywhere he likes with a series of different kicks.

Getty ImagesDan Biggar in action for Wales
MORE: The big Six Nations form check on the Welsh exiles

Biggar also prides himself on his tactical kicking nous and often drives the Ospreys and Wales forward.

Biggar has also perfected working his team into handing him a drop-goal opportunity.

Video: The Biggarena was one of the funny points of last year's World Cup
Dan Biggarena...

Posted by Steve Pilbrow on Sunday, September 27, 2015
AERIAL ABILITY
Biggar: 9

Sexton: 7

What Biggar really excels at is the aerial bombardment and he often collects his own kick to set up attacks.

Dan Biggar goes aerial against Scotland
RELATED: The contenders to be Wales' full-back against Ireland

This was most evident in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against South Africa where he set up a try for his half-back partner Gareth Davies.

Sexton will often be the kicking creator these days rather than the hunter gatherer.

WalesOnline
GOALKICKING
Biggar: 9

Sexton: 8

Both players have kept their teams in matches and indeed won games with their metronomic accuracy at goal.

Ireland's Johnny Sexton kicks to touchIreland's Johnny Sexton kicks to touch
Wales fans will recall Biggar’s nerveless match-winning World Cup penalty against England and his title winning conversion against Leinster for the Ospreys a couple of years ago.

And you also get the ‘Biggarena’ dance thrown in!

HONOURS
Biggar: 7

Sexton: 9

If it’s about medals, medals, medals, then Sexton holds the edge.

Getty ImagesSexton is back with Leinster after a spell with Racing Metro
MORE: The forgotten Welshman who hasn't given up on Wales

Sexton has won more during his career than his Welsh rival after celebrating being part of three Heineken Cup winning sides, an Irish Grand Slam triumph in 2009 back-to-back Six Nations successes and a Lions Test winning side.

Biggar’s return so far has been more moderate with two league titles and an Anglo-Welsh triumph with the Ospreys and being part of the 2013 Six Nations triumph with Wales.

But he can boast the 2015 BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year accolade.

X-FACTOR
Biggar: 8

Sexton: 9

After the Welsh rugby public first struggled to warm to him, Biggar has become a bit of a cult figure especially following the World Cup.

Sexton is one of Ireland’s go-to men and is sorely missed when he is injured.

LEADERSHIP
Biggar: 9

Sexton: 8

Biggar is a born winner who demands the best from all of his team-mates with his emotions occasionally still boiling over.

Dan Biggar was Wales' number one goal kicker at the World Cup


He is the driving force of the Ospreys side alongside Alun Wyn Jones and a key decision maker for Warren Gatland.

Sexton is Joe Schmidt’s on-field conductor who implements the game plan and determines how Ireland and Leinster play.

EXPERIENCE
Biggar: 8

Sexton: 9

The 30-year-old Irish maestro is more than four years older than his Welsh rival so it’s no surprise he has played 17 more Tests than Biggar with 56 matches compared to 39.

Sexton also has three Lions Test caps to his name after his part in the 2013 series success in Australia.

Sexton has also experienced a more diverse career having experienced life in the French Top 14 with Racing Metro.

But Biggar has youth on his side and has been an established international performer now for a couple of seasons.

Totals
Biggar: 82

Sexton: 81

Sexton has peaked and at 30 he is on the downward curve

Ireland's game with Sexton on form is fluid and he is the General, without it they have no credible option. Though in the RWC I thought their replacement was effective.

If Jonny produces his best and slots his kicks ireland will be hard to beat but there is so much pressure on him to perform at his best in an Ireland team that is in transition having lost its talisman, though excellently coached

I expect Tipuric to play and his singular role will be to shut down Sexton.

Gwlad wrote:Sexton has peaked and at 30 he is on the downward curve

Ireland's game with Sexton on form is fluid and he is the General, without it they have no credible option. Though in the RWC I thought their replacement was effective.

If Jonny produces his best and slots his kicks ireland will be hard to beat but there is so much pressure on him to perform at his best in an Ireland team that is in transition having lost its talisman, though excellently coached

I expect Tipuric to play and his singular role will be to shut down Sexton.

Sexton's form has dropped but i attribute that more to the injuries (many concussions) than to actual form.

Sexton, like Biggar put their bodies on the line in defence and attack which takes its toll.

Two top players,Sexton looks to be getting back to form.He has been steadily improving the longer he's been with Leinster,the difference in the skill levels of the Leinster players compared to last season is huge.

I am biased but think Sexton is slightly better but Biggar is getting close and will probably overtake him in a season or two.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:Two top players,Sexton looks to be getting back to form.He has been steadily improving the longer he's been with Leinster,the difference in the skill levels of the Leinster players compared to last season is huge.

I am biased but think Sexton is slightly better but Biggar is getting close and will probably overtake him in a season or two.

I think Biggar even being compared with him is a compliment. I also think Biggar's best is yet to come and i don't think thats true of Sexton

I think both players are more or less equal, but I think Sexton is more prone to off days to be honest.  Pressure gets to him more often than it does to Biggar.  
Goal Kicking isn't really an issue because Halfpenny is normally Wales first choice kicker.  

Wales and Ireland games are the same, and have been for years, toss a coin, the bounce of the ball or a referees decision is normally the difference between the teams, and I look forward to going at it hammer and Tongs with the Irish posters before, during and after the game.  

Biggar (2008) got his first cap a year before Sexton (2009), though is 4 years younger.
It's also worth pointing out that Biggar has seen off Gavin Henson, James Hook, Matthew Morgan and Sam Davies for the Ospreys 10 shirt, which is impressive.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:Two top players,Sexton looks to be getting back to form.He has been steadily improving the longer he's been with Leinster,the difference in the skill levels of the Leinster players compared to last season is huge.

I am biased but think Sexton is slightly better but Biggar is getting close and will probably overtake him in a season or two.

Another Irishman talking sense, fans of teams with average fly-halves, you should take note of this post. I agree with you asore, think Sexton given he's older might not get much greater than he has been, though I'm happy for him to prove me wrong in the coming season.

I have always thought that Sexton was the better all round player.

But when it come's too taking kicks at goal, well it is very close call to be honest.

But to be fair there is not that much between them.

I guess how either player plays will depend on how the pack play, how much good ball he will get from the scrum half.

majesticimperialman wrote:I have always thought that Sexton was the better all round player.  

But when it come's too taking kicks at goal, well it is very close call to be honest.

But to be fair there is not that much between them.

I guess how either player plays will depend on how the pack play, how much good ball  he will get from the scrum half.

Now Biggar has the 10 shirt his confidence is growing an his awareness is excellent

Take England RWC…his beautiful flat pass puts Roberts in the 5m to fix his oppo which lead to Lloyd's inspired chip into the 22. It was the inch perfect pass in the circumstances.