Allan Lewis’ side took on a well organised England side at St Helens last Sunday and although they came out the wrong side of a 44-7 defeat, the game could prove the ideal preparation for the trip to France.
At a blustery St Helens, England played with the wind in the first half and used the conditions to their advantage to run up a 29-0 lead.
Facing a significant half time deficit, Wales fought back admirably after the interval and full back Steffan Evans crossed for a second half try in the 65th minute. Fly half Luke Price converted but three second half English scores consigned Wales to defeat.
England scored tries through Cameron Neild, Stuart Townsend (2), Nathan Earle (2), Charlie Ewels and Zach Kibirige en route to victory while Sam Olver kicked nine points.
Hooker Neild got England off to a great start, touching down early in the game and Olver added the conversion and a penalty after 17 minutes to give the visitors a 10-0 lead.
England punished Wales for missing two shots at goal, with Townsend crossing under the bar.
With 28 minutes played wing Earle sped down the wing to score his first try, and a side-line conversion from Olver put England 24-0 up.
England had their fourth try just before the break. After a scrum five yards out, the impressive Townsend picked up the ball to dot down for his second.
With 40 minutes played lock Ewels gained possession and ran the ball in from the half way line and ten minutes later England had their sixth, electric wing Zach Kibirige scoring.
Wales stemmed the flow when Evans touched down but it was to be England who had the final say as Earle ran in to score his second try to secure the 44-7 win.
