The 2012 Grand Slam winners have now suffered eight defeats in a row, including five straight defeats at home as a Brian O’Driscoll-inspired Ireland ran out 30-22 victors at the Millennium Stadium.

Despite the defeat there is plenty for Wales to be positive about giving they recovered from 30-3 down at one stage to end the game within eight points of Ireland.

And Scarlets hooker Owens, a second-half substitute on Saturday, is adamant Wales can turn their current form on its head and return to winning ways, starting with victory in Paris against France this weekend.

“Get a result this weekend in Paris and we are back in the championship race,” said Owens.

“As some of the boys said after the Irish game, we can’t win the Grand Slam but we can still retain the title – so there’s still a lot to play for.

“It was a terrific opening weekend to the Six Nations, no country is out of it and no team is running away with it.

“We have to train hard and smart this week and transfer that to the pitch on Saturday night.

“If we do that we will, hopefully, get the result we want in Paris.”

“We definitely don’t fear France and it’s going to be a battle, one we are relishing.

“If I get the opportunity to start against France it would be brilliant.

“Playing for your country is what you always want to do, and if I’m lucky enough to be picked, I’ll give it my all.”