With Dillon Lewis also set to reach his half-century of caps when he comes off the replacements bench at Stade de France, Owens is mindful his two fellow pack stalwarts deserve a day to remember as they reach their notable milestones.
“We’ve got two guys reaching milestones this week so it’s important we put a performance in for them and make sure it’s a special day,” said Owens.
“We have to ensure the hard work we’ve done for the past eight weeks has led to something. It’s been an interesting one with what’s gone on off the field, but I’m proud to have had this opportunity to lead a great bunch of boys out on the field.”
Owens will be making his 47th appearance in the Six Nations in the French capital. His debut in the tournament came in 2012 and he has won two Grand Slams and four titles.
Having picked up his first win as Wales captain last week he will be hoping to make it back-to-back triumphs against a French side still chasing the title. The home side will come into the game on the back of a record–breaking win at Twickenham last weekend, where they beat England 53-10
“There’s always added pressure when you’re the favourites because generally you have confidence and momentum. That’s what comes with being favourites,” added Owens.
“The pressure is off externally, because no-one is expecting anything from us, but as a group we expect a lot of ourselves. We have had a bit of success in this competition in the past, but it has been tricky this season.
“We won in Italy last weekend and now we have to deliver again.”
