The first of three end of season derbies kicks-off at the Millennium Stadium this Sunday as the Scarlets take on Cardiff Blues in the regional double header.
Scarlets and Wales hooker Ken Owens, who came on as a first half replacement in the region’s victory over Zebre last weekend to score a try, will be hoping to start in the big clash and face former teammate and captain Matthew Rees.
Having been at loggerheads with Rees for a number of years at the Scarlets as they challenged each other for the starting number 2 shirt Owens says he’s looking forward to taking on his former skipper as an opponent for the first time.
“It’ll be interesting! I haven’t played against Matthew before. It’ll be great to see him back on the pitch – he’s a great player.
“I have nothing but admiration for him as a player –not only in what he’s gone through and over come in the last six months but throughout his career.
“I’ve learnt so much off him over the years and it’ll no doubt be a tough challenge for us both.”
Former Scarlets skipper Rees made a welcome return to action for Cardiff Blues in their clash against Ulster after a difficult period as he battled testicular cancer.
Owens went on to say: “The work he’s put in in the last six months and the dedication to want to get back is phenomenal. You can’t take that away from him.
“He’s had his goals that have pulled him through and it’s great to see him back and fighting fit.”
Owens admits that Rees had a huge influence on his early career and development saying: “Matthew taught me some lessons whilst scrumaging against him during training, I learned from that. He was massive in my development.
“He went on a Lions tours which ultimately gave me an opportunity; when you’re chomping at the bit you learn a lot from players like that. You learn from the best.
“I would like to think that it helped him to have me clipping at his heels too.”
Scarlets will take on Cardiff Blues at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 20th April, kick-off 2pm.
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