After contributing no fewer than five players to Saturday’s starting XV against the Bay of Plenty, Owen will carry the flag for the dragons although four others; Martyn Williams, Gareth Cooper, Gethin Jenkins and Gavin Henson, find themselves on the bench for the match (8.10am BST).
For Owen, the game represents a significant opportunity to press his claim for a place in the first Test against the All Blacks in Christchurch on June 25th 2008. Playing in a back row that includes Martin Corry;Â the other realistic contender to fill the boots of the injured Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen is well aware of his responsibility and opportunity.
“Every game provides an opportunity to bid for a place so this is no different to the game in Cardiff or Saturday’s match in Rotorua,” said Owen. “Having said that, the players are aware that they cannot take their eye off the game itself. They can’t start thinking about selection for the Test matches, they have to concentrate on playing well and helping the Lions win another game. That has been made quite clear to us.”
Saturday’s victory in Rotorua provided mixed emotions for the party. Dallaglio’s injury took the shine off their 34-20 win, but Assistant Coach Gareth Jenkins believes the match itself provided a platform on which to build towards the June 25th showdown with the All Blacks.
“We have dealt with the disappointment of losing Lawrence, now we have to move on and look forward to this important game,” said Jenkins. “We have seen a bit of them from last year’s NPC, but we don’t know that much. I am sure they will provide us with a significant challenge up front just as the Bay did at the weekend. We have to meet that challenge head on and make sure that we come away with a good result and a good performance.”
In terms of tomorrow’s starting line up, there are fifteen changes from the weekend game with England trio Andy Titterell, Will Greenwood and Charlie Hodgson getting their first starts along with Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter.
Jenkins said: “It was always our intention to give each member of the original party a start in the first three games. We have done that and at least after Wednesday, each one of those players will have had some experience of pulling on a Lions jersey.”
Stephen Jones, Gareth Thomas, who arrived yesterday, Jason Robinson, Simon Shaw and Simon Easterby will have to await their opportunities, but Jones is almost certain to play some part on Saturday against the New Zealand Maoris in Hamilton. That game will provide the toughest examination yet although Jenkins admits that the players can ill afford to take their eye off any one of their midweek games.
“That’s where we develop as a squad,” said Jenkins. “There are plenty of teams and individual players out here who are desperate to become the first to down the Lions. We must be aware of that. If we are, I am sure we will do okay.”
