Taine Basham insists there will be a response in training this week ahead of Wales’ crunch Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland on Saturday.
The openside flanker called for a vastly improved performance after a 29-7 defeat against Ireland at the weekend, which dented hopes of retaining their Championship crown.
Wales face a buoyant Scotland fresh from their Calcutta Cup victory over England, but the Scots have not tasted victory at the Principality Stadium since 2002.
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“We will look back and realise that physically we didn’t turn up. It has to turn up next week, especially in front of a home crowd,” said Basham.
“There is definitely going to be an edge next week. The boys are going to be disappointed about this result and the way we performed, especially in the first 10 minutes.”
Basham was a bright spot on an otherwise difficult day for Wayne Pivac’s team, scoring a late consolatory try at the Aviva Stadium.
The 22-year-old’s exemplary performance in Round 1 followed a string of impressive displays in the Autumn Nations Series, as he lead his team for metres made (93), tackles (22) and carries (15).
Scotland have typically found the going tough in Wales but did win on their last visit, the rearranged Super Saturday fixture two years ago behind closed doors in Llanelli.
But the presence of fans inside the Principality Stadium is sure to give Wales a welcome boost as they look to maintain their eight-game winning run against Scotland in Cardiff.
Although Wales are still without several key names they may look to start Basham’s Dragons teammate Ross Moriarty in the back row, while head coach Wayne Pivac will also be hoping for good news regarding centre Willis Halaholo’s hamstring problem.
If the Cardiff man is fit to start then Josh Adams may revert to his favoured position on the wing after he deputised in the midfield for Saturday’s opener.
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Despite the defeat Basham expressed great pride in representing his country and hopes he can continue to make his mark at international level.
“Every time you get an opportunity in this shirt, just play your own game and make your own stamp on it.
“Chucking my body about is what I have to do for the team, so I can be happy with that.”
