OWENS KEEN TO KEEP FLAG HIGH
WALES hooker Ken Owens has warned Sale there is a red wave headed their way in Europe today. Owens believes the momentum from Wales’ Six Nations triumph will spill over into Scarlets’ tilt at the Heineken Champions Cup, with eight of the championship-winning squad involved against the Sharks.
After four semi-final appearances in the tournament, the Scarlets captain feels this could finally be their year.
I think there is definitely a buzz aroundwelsh rugby,” said Owens. “We do have a large contingent of international players and there has been huge confidence gathered from the Six Nations coming back to the region.
“I’d like to think the confidence, buzz and feelgood factor of Wales winning the Six Nations will spill over.
“It’s bouncing around the squad here with the boys who have come back but also the
V TODAY 5.30PM boys who have been here all along.
“The biggest thing is reintegrating into a different style of play and getting back up to speed.
“But I think having no game last weekend helped with that because we’ve had a transition week where we’ve got a lot of learning done.
“This week has all been about ramping up and getting ready for the game.
“There is definitely a feelgood factor here but it all comes down to Sunday and producing a performance.we need to make sure we’re at the top of our game.”
No Welsh region has ever won Europe’s premier competition.
But a home draw in the last 16 after a win at Bath and a walkover against Toulon in the Covid-affected pool stages sets the Scarlets up well – if they can muscle up today.
“Generally the teams from the Premiership are very set-piece orientated and very direct,” said Owens.
“With Sale’s South African influence they’re very good at that with the players they’ve got.
“We’re going to have to front up physically.we need to keep hold of the ball for long periods which will give us opportunities and stay away from the tight exchanges.that doesn’t suit our style.”