Owen expects further improvement

Owen believes the defending Grand Slam Champions did show improvement in their performance after the 47-13 defeat to England in Round One, but also knows they will have to step up another gear if they are to beat Ireland in Lansdowne Road in two weeks time.

“I think the performance was an improvement on the last game,” he said. “We’ll look to improve now with every match. We’ve got a tough challenge in Ireland now, but if we prepare properly, we can go to Ireland with every confidence.”

Next weekend is a rest week in the RBS Six Nations Championship, with domestic rugby back on the agenda for those not involved in international competition, Owen’s region, the Dragons face Leinster at Rodney Parade, a match which under normal circumstances would have seen face a raft of Irish internationals travel across the Irish sea.

That list would usually include Brian O’Driscoll, who left the field of play early during his country’s 43-31 loss to France with tired legs. That, however, is hardly surprising as O’Driscoll has seen very little game time since the infamous first-minute injury he sustained during last summer’s Lions tour.

Owen was a member of that party, and will be keen to pit his wits against Ireland’s Lions on February 26th. It is expected that O’Driscoll will be fit to face Wales as his side look to bounce back from their defeat to France.