No fear as Owens insists Scarlets can defend title
FOOTBALL CAN SWANS KEEP HOLD OF IN-DEMAND PLAYERS?
KEN Owens acknowledges his side face a huge challenge against a ‘close-to-perfect’ Leinster at the Aviva Stadium this evening (6pm), but the Scarlets skipper insists there will be no fear in the ranks when they run out for another Guinness Pro14 final.
The Scarlets take on the newlycrowned European kings with last month’s 38-16 Champions Cup semi-final defeat to the Irish province still fresh in the memory.
Wales hooker Owens insists that while that match hasn’t been forgotten, they are no scars that need healing.
And he is adamant the squad have a firm belief they can upset the odds and claim back-to-back Championship crowns.
“The boys are pretty confident in their abilities,” said Owens (pictured), who sat out last year’s final win against Munster because of injury.
“Going to the Aviva again won’t hold any fears. “Winning against Munster, the boys enjoyed it who started that day, but we were disappointing the last time we went there.
“That hasn’t been entirely wiped from our memories – it’s niggling there slightly, and we’re looking to right the wrongs from that.
“But we’re just happy to be involved at this stage once again and going to Dublin, having everything to gain.”
The Scarlets are 4-1 outsiders with the bookmakers, who are also giving the Welsh region an 11-point start – an indication of the strength of their opponents rather than their own form going into the final.
“Leinster know how to win rugby matches, that’s why they’re the best side in Europe at the moment,” added Owens.
“They’ve as close as you’re going to get to a perfect side.
“They can win in different ways. There was poor weather in the (Champions Cup) final, facing a difficult team, especially size-wise, against Racing.
“But they showed their experience and ground out the win, that’s what you’ve got to do sometimes.
“But this is another opportunity for us to right some wrongs from the semi-final.”
The Scarlets welcome back fit-again Leigh Halfpenny after the Wales full-back missed the semi-final win over Glasgow with a hamstring tear.
Leinster have also made changes to their starting line-up with Ireland internationals Johnny Sexton, Rob Kearney and Dan Leavy recalled.
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