HAT-TRICK hero Taine Basham believes a job well done in Italy sets up Wales perfectly for a Six Nations clash with England.

The Welsh youngsters responded to their opening weekend loss to world champions France by recording a fine 42-12 triumph in Mantua.

They ran in six tries with Dragons number eight Basham scoring three, two powerful 20-metre finishes in the first half and a pushover try after the break, and others coming from regional teammates Ed Scragg and Daf Buckland plus Cardiff Blues full-back Ioan Davies.

Gareth Williams’ side now start preparations for a Colwyn Bay clash with the English on Friday, February 22 (kick-off 7.05pm).

England lost to Ireland in round one before showing their power by outmuscling the French in Exeter but Wales are also buoyant after avenging the 2018 home loss to Italy.

“Fair play to the team, it was an excellent performance by all. We talked about coming here and getting the job done,” said the 19-year-old from Talywain.

“It's tough going to Italy but we put in the performance and didn't take our foot off the gas, so we are very pleased.

“They were typical passionate Italians and if you let them in the game early then the crowd will get behind them.

“We were disappointed with the result against France, but not the performance. We went to Italy to get the job done and getting a bonus point for us.

“Hopefully now it should be a good encounter with England.”

The last time that Wales beat the English in the tournament was when Jason Strange’s team hammered them 42-16 at Ashton Gate in Bristol on the way to a Grand Slam in 2016.

England won 37-12 in Newcastle last year and 37-21 in Colwyn Bay in 2017.