 Robert Jones says Owens' line-out throwing has been exceptional |
Ex-Wales scrum-half Robert Jones says Scarlets hooker Ken Owens is a serious contender for a Test debut in November. Owens, 22, was man-of-the-match in his side's 22-20 Magners League defeat by Munster at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday. Jones told Scrum V: "His line-out throwing has been exceptional. He's hit his targets constantly. "Just one thing about Ken Owens - he's missed just one line-out in three games. I think it's something like 47 out of 48." Wales take on New Zealand, Samoa, Argentina and Australia in their November Tests and Owens would face strong competition for the number two jersey. British and Irish Lions hooker Matthew Rees is expected to return to action for the Scarlets this week.  | 606: DEBATE |
And he must also overhaul Ospreys Richard Hibbard and Huw Bennett in Wales coach Warren Gatland's pecking order. But Jones says Owens has what it takes to make his mark. "When you consider Wales have struggled really in terms of their line-out play, this guy is putting his hand up, I think, for inclusion in the autumn internationals," said ex-Scarlets backs coach Jones. "There's Matthew Rees down there, there's Hibbard, of course and Bennett, but Ken Owens' current form deserves an opportunity." Jones says Owens' efforts have helped pep up the Scarlets' performances, in contrast to their neighbours and rivals the Ospreys, who were booed off again on Friday after losing to Leinster at Liberty Stadium. On Saturday the Scarlets came within a whisker of beating Munster, falling to a late Denis Hurley try and Jeremy Manning conversion. Jones said of events at Parc y Scarlets: "It was fantastic, a great occasion and they're playing with real purpose at the moment. "In contrast to the Ospreys it's the quality and the speed of delivery of the ball and also, I have to say, the form of ken Owens at hooker - absolutely outstanding. "He's come into the senior game with a reputation for his ball-carrying - he's big, he's strong, he's quick." Highlights - Scarlets 20-22 Munster
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