Wales determined to celebrate Gatland’s century in winning style
KEN Owens insists Wales remain in a good position to seal their first Six Nations title since 2013 as they prepare for their mustwin clash with Ireland.
Warren Gatland’s side were beaten 12-6 by England last time out which makes victory at the Aviva on Saturday essential.
Wales’ thumping opening success over Scotland and losing bonus point in defeat at Twickenham means they remain within touching distance of unbeaten England and Ireland.
Owens told The Rugby Paper: “After the first two weekends we are reasonably happy and I think we are still in contention. We can improve and we will have to going to Dublin, but the bonus-point system has seen us pick up two on the opening weekends. “Before, if you lost one game it was very difficult to pull the points back because you could not pick up extra ones. We have to win the next game and keep winning, but bonus points have been crucial for us so far.”
Wales have won six of their 11 games against Ireland under Gatland's guidance. Hooker Owens is hoping to repeat the result of his last visit to the Aviva.
In May, his Scarlets side won the PRO12 title in the Irish capital, but the British Lion missed out.
“Injuries happen, but touch wood everything goes well this time and I get selected,” Owens said. "I was disappointed to miss the final, but I hope we get another good day there in a Wales jersey because we have had some success in Dublin in the last couple of years.”
Wales’ third clash of the Six Nations will take on extra meaning for coach Gatland, left, as it will be his 100th in charge of his adopted nation. Former New Zealand boss Sir Graham Henry (103) is the only other international coach to reach a century of games with one Test side.
Despite Gatland's impressive longevity and success, Owens said: “Both inside and outside of Wales for some reason Warren has always had prove himself. But we’ve always been there or thereabouts under Warren and we're a very tough team to break down.
“We’ve won three Championships and two Grand Slams in the last 10 years and he’s won one Lions series and drawn the other.”
Owens added: “Warren enjoys playing the Irish, there is that special something between them and the Welsh. We’d like to get the win for everybody in the squad, but it would top it off for Gats. If we get a big win out there it will keep our Championship hopes alive as well.”