We’ll stick to our guns against the Boks – Ken

WALES hooker Ken Owens is adamant Warren Gatland’s World Cup semi-finalists must stick to their tried and trusted plan for Sunday’s huge clash with South Africa.

The experienced front row believes now is not the time for deviation from what Wales have been doing right against the Springboks, with Gatland’s outfit currently having something of an Indian Sign over Rassie Erasmus charges, with a recent head-tohead record reading four wins and no defeats.

But Owens is well aware the ‘Boks have been strongly-tipped for success from long before the outset of the tournament in Japan, not least because coach Erasmus has had his squad on an upward trajectory over the last few years.

Despite the huge threat posed by Sunday’s rivals, Owens believes the secret to victory will be all about sticking by Welsh principles.

“For us, it’s just backing our experience, I think our performances have shown that over the last two years. And sticking to what we know,” said Owens.

“I think discipline is a huge one. And making sure our processes are right. I think we’ve done that in 2011 even though we went down to 14 with Sam going off.

“The Springboks are tough opposition. They are always up there in the top three in the world.

“Traditionally, they’ve done very well in World Cups. They’ve won two.

“They are very big boys, a very powerful team, and they’ve got a lot of flair, especially with Kolbe out wide.

“This is going to be a special occasion for the 23 and the whole squad and management as well.”

Owens is keen to stress Wales are not getting swept up by the sense of mounting excitement that’s followed in the wake of Wales’ progress to date.

“Obviously the interest goes through tenfold when there are only four sides out here.

“So it is a different week and it feels a bit different but as I’ve mentioned, it’s about sticking to our processes, we can’t change too much, making sure we’re on the money with where we are.”

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