Nappy duties complete, Owen returns

Michael Owen

A couple of nappy changes under his belt and forward Michael Owen felt he could rest well on his flight back from Wales to join the Lions tour this week.

Loose forward Owens arrived in Christchurch on Thursday morning after a whirlwind return home to witness wife Lucy give birth to their second daughter Olivia.

"I got back (home) at 5am on Monday morning and the baby was born about five hours later," he said.

"I left 5pm Tuesday night so it was just 36 hours. It was brilliant."

Owen said he did "the first couple" of nappy changes and before he knew it was winging his way back to New Zealand in business class, able to lie down and sleep in the right time zone.

"When I was home I tried to stay awake as much as I could and just nap really. Coming back I managed to stay on New Zealand time."

His week got even bigger today when he was called onto the reserve bench after Lewis Moody was ruled out with injury and Simon Easterby promoted to the starting team.

Owen, who showed some decent form before leaving the tour and spoke of his desire to break into the test side, was delighted to get another chance to prove himself.

"Obviously I've benefited from two people's misfortune. I'm just lucky enough to be here and now it's a matter of playing well enough if I get the chance."

- NZPA