Dragons flanker Basham targets Wales seven shirt

Taine Basham has played 17 internationals for Wales

Dragons flanker Taine Basham has targeted regaining the Wales number seven shirt after impressing on his return at the weekend.

Basham, 25, scored a try and was named player of the match in the 33-30 United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat by Sharks at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Basham last played for Wales in the 16-14 Six Nations defeat to England at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium in February and missed summer tour matches against South Africa and Australia.

Wales face games against Fiji, Australia and South Africa in November, with the squad due to be named on 21 October by head coach Warren Gatland, who was in Newport to watch Basham's performance.

"I want the Welsh seven jersey, or just a Welsh jersey, back on my back again," said Basham.

"This is just a stepping stone for that. Performing for the Dragons is a massive focus for me at the moment.

"I just want to go out there and put my own stamp on things. I want to be different to any other seven but know I have things to work on."

Basham has stiff competition, with Leicester's Tommy Reffell starting at open-side flanker in the two Tests against Australia.

World Cup co-captain Jac Morgan is back fit this season after missing the summer tour because of injury.

Basham's own start to the season was delayed because he suffered tendonitis issues but he insists he has recovered from that now.

"It was frustrating," said Basham.

"It was up there with one of the hardest pre-seasons I have done and it's unfortunate I was picking up injuries.

"I am glad to feel 100% now and hopefully get firing into these next few games."

Different Dragons

Dragons defeated Ospreys in the opening game of the season before losing to Leinster in Dublin.

Dai Flanagan's side almost beat Sharks in Newport before losing to an 85th-minute try.

"It was big moments where we need to show more composure, myself included," said Basham.

"We defended for our lives at the end and we were gutted that we conceded."

Dragons have only won five out of their last 25 matches in all competitions, but Basham feels the squad has evolved under Flanagan this season.

"Sides come here and expect a tough fight and we pride ourselves on that," said Basham.

"It is a different Dragons now."