Osian Darwin-Lewis believes Wales Under-20s have already laid down a marker in this year’s Six Nations and is confident they can build on an encouraging opening display when France visit Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday 14 February (8pm KO).

Despite the narrow 19-16 defeat to England, there was plenty for Wales to take from a performance that saw them dominate the first half and silence the home crowd.

“Overall it was a tough one to take,” Darwin-Lewis reflected, “but I thought in the first half we were really good. We played in the right areas, had a lot of territory and did good things with that territory.”

Wales controlled long stretches of the contest, keeping England scoreless for 40 minutes away from home, a statement of intent that underlined the defensive edge and work-rate within this young squad.

“We knew they’d have a purple patch, and it was about how we would manage that purple patch. That’s something we’ll learn from as we grow as a team.

“But there’s a lot of positives there. We showed what we can do, especially in that first half. Now it’s about doing it for 80 minutes.”

England’s response came through a sharper kicking game and sustained forward pressure in the second half, but Darwin-Lewis is clear that the improvements required are manageable details rather than wholesale changes.

“Our physicality was very good, especially in the first half. Keeping them to zero is something to be proud of. We know we’ve got that physicality and we’ll keep building on it.

“Their kicking game was a lot better than ours in the second half and they brought their aerial threats into it more. There were a few moments where we probably kicked a bit loosely and let them into our 22 too cheaply. Those are small details and they’re things we can fix.”

With the current title holders France next up under the lights in the capital, attention has already turned to the opportunity ahead. Playing at Cardiff Arms Park brings its own energy, and that is something Darwin-Lewis is eager to harness.

“We’ll analyse what we need to improve and then move on. It’s all about the next job. We take the positives, learn from the negatives and push forward.”

There is still time to secure your tickets to watch Wales U20s in action at the Cardiff Arms Park, as they host both France and Scotland in the U20s Six Nations Championship. Tickets for both fixtures are available now via the link below.