Rob Howley’s men begin their campaign against an Italy side under new management on Sunday. Former Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea masterminded an autumn victory over South Africa alongside former England star Mike Catt and Saracens coach Brendan Venter.
Wales have beaten Italy in their last 10 meetings, including a 61-20 thumping the last time the sides clashed at the Stadio Olimpico two years ago. But Owens knows his men will have to be at their best if they are to begin their RBS 6 Nations campaign with a bang.
He said: “It’s a tough game, away games are always tough especially Italy first up. They’ll be looking to build on a good autumn when they beat South Africa. They will be disappointed with losing against Tonga, but they’ve had time with Conor O’Shea, Mike Catt and Brendan Venter in camp and I’m sure they’ll hit the ground running.
“We know just how hard it’s going to be out there and it’s all about getting a good performance and victory first-up.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s the best rugby tournament in the world outside the Rugby World Cup. We’re excited, we’ve had a really good training week with the new guys coming into the squad, and we can’t wait for our first hit-out against Italy on Sunday.”
Seven uncapped players in Rob Howley’s 37-man squad will be hungry to earn a place on the match day squad this weekend. And Owens has revealed the new faces have added a new dynamic to the squad.
He said: “The new players have added something to the squad, a lot of them were playing well in the run-up to the autumn series and were unlucky to miss out. They’ve continued their form up to the Six Nations and that’s why they have been included. Boys like Olly Cracknell and Steff Evans have done really well. Fresh voices and new faces around the squad adds to the environment.”
