Johnson backing skipper Owen

Wales coach Scott Johnson has defended skipper Michael Owen.

Owen led his side to Grand Slam success last season, but he has failed to sparkle this year, as have his team who have lost two of their three Six Nations games so far.

Wales will be looking to bounce back from their poor 31-5 beating in Ireland with a win over Italy in Cardiff on Saturday, but some have suggested Owen should not play.

Johnson, however, has given his full backing to Owen - who he believes is still the right man to lead Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

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

"The kid is a quality rugby player, he has skills you can't coach and he adds to our game.

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

"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."

Johnson has largely kept faith with the side that disappointed in Dublin, with winger Shane Williams returning to an otherwise unchanged starting line-up.

"We have kept the faith with the majority of the side that underperformed in Dublin and told them to go out there on Saturday and put things right," added Johnson.

"It's a vote of belief. The boys have a second chance to prove what they are capable of and that the last outing was just a blip."

The only other changes to the squad see Cardiff fly-half Nicky Robinson and Llanelli loose-forward Alix Popham come in on the bench.

"Alix's form this year has been exemplary. He has really pushed for a starting position and he has changed the way we view him as a player," said Johnson.

"He is a player we viewed as a super-sub, a punchy player who could make an impact.

"But he has worked diligently to develop an athletic prowess that is dominating over 80 minutes.

"He has grown into an international player and we need players to be pushing selectors and he has earned his place on merit."