Ioan Davies believes Sunday's Wales Under-18 defeat to England at Sardis Road was perfect preparation ahead of the inaugural U18s Six Nations Festival.
A sensational individual effort saw the Cardiff Blues full back cross for a second half try, but it was not enough for hosts, as England claimed a 42-14 victory.
Wales will host the Six Nations festival, and face France on the opening day, at Ystrad Mynach on Saturday, before back-to-back games at Cardiff Arms Park.
Looking ahead to an exciting few weeks in a Wales shirt, the Glantaf-product believes there are plenty of lessons to be learnt from Sunday’s encounter.
“I don’t think we expected that level of intensity and physicality, and in the first half especially we struggled to keep up with them,” said Davies.
“It’s a good warm-up game to have ahead of the Six Nations campaign, and it will stand the boys in good stead.
"We can go back, look at the tapes of this game and see exactly where what areas we need to improve on before next week, and also what areas we’ve been strong at.
“We need to try to apply our different strengths to each individual team, because they’ll all bring an unique challenge.
“It’s a really good opportunity for all the boys and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Davies was a stand-out player for his side at Pontypridd, and he believes Cardiff Blues’ current full-back stars are the perfect role-models to develop his game.
“I can’t remember exactly what happened with the try, but I just saw the gap and went for it. I didn’t get much opportunity to run, because they didn’t kick downfield very often, but somehow I got through to the other side, and it was nice to get over the line.
"My first instinct is to look to run, but you have to look at all the option.
“There are some great role-models at Cardiff Blues, and the likes of Matthew Morgan and Rhun Williams really drive you to stride to be like them.”
Six Nations Under 18 Festival Match Schedule
Saturday, 31 March, Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach
12 noon: Scotland v England
2.30pm: Wales v France
5.00pm: Ireland v Italy
Wednesday, 4 April, Cardiff Arms Park
12noon: Italy v England
2.30pm: Ireland v Wales
5.00pm: France v Scotland
Sunday, 8 April Cardiff Arms Park
12noon: Ireland v Scotland
2.30pm: Italy v Wales
5.00pm: France v England