Beppu (Japan) (AFP)

Do Welsh people take a risk for his health? Opener Dan Biggar, despite suffering two concussions in 15 days, should start the quarter-finals of the World Cup Sunday against France.

To see Biggar gambol Tuesday on a field of Beppu, the eve of his 30 years, there is however no doubt: the opening N.1 Welsh seems in good shape for the big appointment against the Blues.

"He is fit," assured two hours before Welsh attack coach Stephen Jones, without adding another word. The case management Biggar (76 sel.) Raises some questions.

- The elbow of Liam Williams -

Released temporarily on concussion protocol during the match won against Australia (29-25) on September 29, Biggar failed the first of the famous three tests HIA (Head Injury Assessment), which must allow identify concussions and thus protect the health of the players. This examination is followed by two more within 48 hours of the shock.

Ten days later, the Northampton player, free of symptoms according to the staff, is aligned against Fiji (29-17). New tile: Biggar was hit in the head by the elbow of his teammate Liam Williams, whom he did not see. And evacuated groggy after several minutes on the ground.

Complicated to overcome a second protocol in a row, the danger of these head trauma residing precisely in their repetition. But right after the match, coach Warren Gatland reveals that Biggar "has not passed the concussion protocol." "If he was evacuated from the field, it's just because of the contact," he argues.

Words as well chosen that arouse suspicion, even if independent doctors have accompanied Biggar since the shock last Wednesday. But for a procedure less strict than the HIA protocol.

Friday, Gatland had cleared the ground again. "Dan did not feel any symptoms the next day, which is great, he is very well followed by the medical team.The doctors (self-employed) spoke to a number of people, consulted.He says he feels very good."

- The previous Warburton -

If the subject is so sensitive, it is that World Rugby has made the protection of players a top priority in recent months, reinforcing the severity of arbitral sanctions and its medical procedures.

Contacted by AFP, the body managing the world rugby has ruled out any possibility of maneuver: "We have full confidence in the Welsh medical staff to respect the procedure and his eventual return to the game will be reviewed and approved by a specialist independent medical expert concussions, "said a spokesman.

The Biggar case comes as former Welsh captain Sam Warburton had to end his career at just 29 years old due to multiple injuries, before issuing this warning.

"If nothing is done soon, a professional player could die during a match, in front of the TV cameras, and only then will people raise their arms to the sky to demand action." said the former flanker in September, a year after hanging up the crampons.

Coach Warren Gatland can hardly do without his opener N.1, already being deprived at this post of Gareth Anscombe, injured in August. The only substitute, Rhys Patchell, is significantly less experienced (17 sel.) And only the back Liam Williams can "troubleshoot". But on Sunday, Biggar will play.

© 2019 AFP