The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Owens warns Scots of Wales backlash after heavy opening defeat
Wales captain Ken Owens says he is confident they can recover quickly and “right the wrongs” when they resume Guinness Six Nations business at Murrayfield today.
Wales tackle Scotland a week after suffering their heaviest Six Nations home defeat for 22 years.
A 34-10 reversal against title favourites Ireland put Wales on the back foot, while Scotland opened their campaign with a stirring Calcutta Cup victory over England.
Wales, though, have an impressive record in the Scottish capital, winning on six of their last seven visits.
“I don’t think we were as bad last Saturday as a lot of people made out,” Owens said.
“Ireland were very good and there were some lessons in being clinical and accurate. It is something we have emphasised this week and worked on.
“Scotland will be favourites, with winning a big game at Twickenham, winning the Calcutta Cup, so they will be looking at back-toback victories.
“We are on a bit of a journey and growing. It’s still early days under new coaches with a new squad.
“We are confident we can bounce back and right the wrongs of last week and be a lot more clinical and a lot more physical.
“We take the Six Nations very seriously, and we are disappointed to be out of grand slam and Triple Crown contention.”
Hooker Owens and lock Adam Beard are the only Wales forwards retained in their starting positions, with head coach Warren Gatland making five changes up front and one positional switch.
Among those left out are British and Irish Lions trio Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau – they have 342 Wales caps between them – with Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza and Tommy Reffell all gaining starts.
Tshiunza and Reffell feature in a reshaped back row that sees Jac Morgan move from blindside flanker to number eight instead of Faletau, while Alun Wyn Jones and Tipuric are not in Gatland’s match-day 23 at all.
Owens added: “There have been some changes, especially in the pack, and giving some of the young boys an opportunity to get experience at this top level.
“They have deserved the chance following their performances at club level.
“There is depth in Welsh rugby. It’s exciting that boys are having opportunities to gain experience, for this tournament and the World Cup that is coming.
“It is going to be a fullblooded Test match. They beat England last year, then came to Cardiff and came up short. They will be looking to come at us.”