DRAGONS second row and tackling king Ben Carter insists it is going to take a “huge performance” from Wales to thwart France in Friday night’s U20 Six Nations showdown in Colwyn Bay.

Carter and co take on the French at Stadiwm Zip World (kick-off 7.35pm) with the aim of preventing a third straight reverse in this season’s championship.

Having started with a 17-7 home defeat by Italy, during which Carter made a record-equalling number of tackles, Wales then lost 36-22 to Ireland last time out.

However, former Wales U18 and U19 captain Carter, who started both games, believes his team have learnt the lessons of the opening rounds.

“It’s a massive challenge this week, but we have a point to prove with the last two games being losses,” said Carter, who starts this evening alongside fellow Dragon Aneurin Owen.

“We’ve had two tough games against quality outfits. It’s given us a lot of learnings to take into the France game.

“The week without a game has come at the right time. We have identified what we are doing well and what we needed to sort out.

“This extra week of preparation has been great in putting that all into place and hopefully we can now produce on Friday.”

He added: “It’s not going to be great weather, so we’ve been outside training rather than in the barn this last couple of weeks to try and get used to it. We’ve got to be prepared for the worst.

“We have looked at France and the threats they bring. It’s going to take a huge performance from us as they are a strong side.

“But it is something we believe we can do, we think we have been improving, so hopefully on Friday we turn up.”

Carter insists he has enjoyed the step up from Wales U18s and has already turned heads with that defensive display against Italy.

With fellow debutant Morgan Strong, Carter made 29 tackles, a total which put him alongside Ireland’s championship record holder James Ryan, who achieved the same number against Scotland in 2016.

“I didn’t realise at the time that there were so many tackles – it was just the way that Italy were playing,” he said.

“It meant five of us had 25 plus tackles in the game. But if they are going to run it at you then you are going to tackle them!”

Reflecting on his season to date, Carter has enjoyed first team exposure at the Dragons as he bids to progress from the region’s academy.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Dragons this season,” he added.

“I’ve been involved in some of the unit sessions with the senior squad and the players there are great and really help me out.

“They are very invested in the academy at the Dragons and it is a great place for us young people to be.

“It’s great for our development and I’m looking forward to the future.”