The last 12 months has been the most difficult in many people’s lives with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic causing a number of national lockdowns.
After Guinness Six Nations wins over Ireland, Scotland, England and Italy, now only France stand between Wayne Pivac’s side and a clean sweep.
“It’s been a tough year since Wayne has taken over, but it (a Grand Slam) would be just reward for all the hard work the management and staff and players have put in,” said the 34-year-old Owens.
“For the public in general it would be a huge uplift after a tough year for the country. It would be special if it happens, but we’ve got to go and get the job done before we think about lifting the trophy.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in a couple of Grand Slam games before this. After the England game I was driving through the village where I live.
“The sun was out and there was a spring in people’s steps. What it makes you realise as players is the effect we can have on people.
“In the last month or so we’ve managed to get some good results which has given people something to smile and cheer about and hopefully we can continue to do that over the next week.”
Ken Owens at the centre of the Welsh front row against Italy
In the last month or so we’ve managed to get some good results which has given people something to smile and cheer about and hopefully we can continue to do that over the next week
Wales have equalled their own Six Nations record of scoring 17 tries in a Championship season with a game still to play.
Owens insists this is testament to the hard work of the players and coaching staff after a difficult Autumn Nations Cup campaign.
“We’re taking our opportunities and trying to spread the ball a lot more,” said Owens, who has been in fine form in this Six Nations after returning from injury.
“We have had some individual brilliance throughout the competition. I think things are definitely clicking.
“We’ve done a lot of hard work which we didn’t really reap the rewards off in last year’s Six Nations or the Autumn Nations Cup. It seems to all be coming together now.
“There have been some teething problems early on, but I think Wayne has stuck to his guns, believed in his philosophy, and tweaked things along the way.
“We look at things after every campaign and I’m just glad he’s backed the squad, backed the players, and backed the management. The players and staff have done the same with him and we’ve got an ‘all in it together’ mentality.
“Fortunately we’ve got some results on the board and hopefully we’re on the verge of a bit of history.”
Owens reaches to score one of his two tries against Italy
