BY his own admission Michael Owen's performances in this year's Six Nations tournament have been consistent rather than spectacular.

That was until Gareth Thomas went off injured at half-time against France and taking over the captain's armband Owen stepped up and took centre-stage. It was a role he has become accustomed to.

Earlier this season he took over from Jason Forster, while the Dragons skipper was in hospital recovering from an appendix operation and it was arguably in those games that the mercurial number eight probably played his best games of the season.

Owen has probably been Wales' most reliable performer over the past two years and the same could be said of his performances at regional level.

But it was his second-half performance against France that will give Sir Clive Woodward a real selection poser at number eight for this summer's Lions tour.

Does he go for the consistent solid Michael Owen or the power and aggression of Martin Corry. One thing is for sure both will be named in Woodward's 31-man squad this summer.

Whether Owen starts for the Lions or not, his importance to Wales cannot be underestimated.

He never lets down his country and is a modern day athletic number eight who's handling and ball skills and become a real asset to Mike Ruddock's side.

In defence Owen is no slouch either, and along with Brent Cockbain, Robert Sidoli, Martyn Williams and Richie Pugh he is part of a formidable defence that has only conceded three tries in three games.

The acid test of course comes this weekend, but having coped with the likes of Danny Grewcock, Ben Kay, Serge Betsen and Fabien Pelous then Ireland should hold no fears for Owen.

He will now of course have the extra responsibility of captaincy, one he relishes and will excel at.

He has the backing and confidence of his fellow pros and while his style is slightly different, it may well be a blessing in disguise that it is Owen and not Gareth Thomas that will lead Wales out today.

His calmness under pressure and ability to make crucial decisions and key times will crucial to Wales' success this weekend.

And if Mike Ruddock's men can win the Grand Slam for the first time since 1978, the sight of Owen lifting the Six Nations trophy and the Triple Crown will NEVER be forgotten.