Johnson has given his full backing to Wales skipper Michael Owen

Former Wales and Lions back-row Mervyn Davies says Owen is out of form and Wales should pick another number eight.

"Michael Owen is a quality rugby player, he has skills you can't coach and he adds to our game," said Johnson.

"There are only a few people he needs approval from - the selection panel, but more importantly his team-mates."

Owen has taken over the captain's armband in GarethThomas' injury-enforced absence, just as he did part-way through last season's Grand Slam campaign.

Michael Owen is a player lots of international teams would want Wales coach Scott Johnson

The likes of Alix Popham, who starts on the bench at the Millennium Stadium, and Gareth Delve are pushing their claims for a start at the base of the scrum.

But Johnson yesterday named a starting XV against the Azzurri showing just one change from the side beaten heavily in Ireland.

Shane Williams replaces Dafydd James on the wing, with the pack remaining unchanged.

"Michael Owen led a team to the Grand Slam last year and got all the adulation he deserved," Johnson added.

"I have a saying to every young player I coach - be a player your team-mates want to play with. In this case they unanimously want Michael Owen in the team.

"He is a player lots of international teams would want. We are very happy to have Michael Owen in our team and I am very happy to have him as captain."