Mowen delights in finally making the big time

On a difficult night in Brisbane for the Wallabies, Ben Mowen was one of the shining lights for Robbie Deans’ wounded troops during their ill-fated opening match against the Lions.

After a stellar season captaining Jake White’s high-flying ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby tournament, Mowen was handed the number six shirt for the epic opening Test. It was the backrower’s first cap and the former Queensland and New South Wales flanker took to the international scene with ease with his man-marking of Lions scrum-half Mike Philips a particular highlight.

After years in the international wilderness, Mowen looks set to be a mainstay in this new-look Wallabies outfit, and the athletic forward admits it’s been a tough road to the top.

“It was certainly something I questioned at times,” said Mowen of his journey to international recognition. “I had to move through three different provinces and take my family up and down the east coast of Australia and there were numerous questions along the way like, ‘Is this working, or should I move overseas? Obviously, Saturday night was a huge reward.”

Many of the Australian players have spoken this week of the incredible atmosphere that developed at Suncorp Stadium, and Mowen admitted he was blown away by the scenes at last week’s Test.

“Just singing the anthem, that was amazing,” said Mowen. “We had a walk through Queen Street (in Brisbane) during the day and the Lions supporters were amazing, they were singing in every bar. For that to the matched by the Australian supporters on night, it was amazing.”

Mowen admits his side were rusty last weekend, but had an ominous warning ahead of the eagerly anticipated second bout. “Already looking at the way we trained this week, we’re looking a far better unit than we were last weekend. I’m sure it’ll be another cracking battle.”

Meanwhile, former rugby league player Joe Tomane is set to be selected in the Wallabies starting line-up for the second Test.

The fleet-footed three-quarter is set to come onto the right wing with Israel Folau shifting to full-back in place of the injured Berrick Barnes with Digby Ioane expected to complete an all-action back three combination.