Impressive Owen stakes claim for Dallaglio’s shirt

WALES No. 8 Michael Owen was singled out for praise by British & Irish Lions coaches following an impressive game in yesterday’s twenty two point victory over Taranaki.

Despite scrummaging problems which saw the Lions front row buckle under pressure from the provincial side, Owen met the intensity of the forwards battle full on and with flankers Lewis Moody and captain Martin Corry also enjoying the occasion it made for a good night for the Test hopefuls.

Lions coach Gareth Jenkins praised his fellow Welshman by saying: “What we see with Michael is that not only is he prepared to deal with the physical aspects of the game, he’s a touch player as well. He’s got this X factor and there were a couple of significant touches there where he created one opportunity and one try which he should be commended for.”