Owen took over the captaincy during the 2005 Grand Slam campaign, and again in the 2006 RBS 6 Nations, when Gareth Thomas was injured. His leadership qualities impressed Clive Woodward who made him captain for the pre-Lions tour Test against Argentina. Owen became the 1,000th player capped by Wales when he made his debut against South Africa in 2002. He has started at both blindside flanker and lock, but has played predominantly at No.8. Owen started only one of the November Tests, against the Pacific Islands, after shoulder surgery.