But the 29-year-old, who has won 31 caps for Wales, played the entire 80 minutes and marked it with a try and an assist to raise his hopes of a return to Warren Gatland’s squad before the World Cup later this year.

And despite not pulling on an international shirt for more than two years Wilkinson believes his new teammate can still make the grade at the top level.

“As first games go that was about as good as Gavin could have hoped for. He did really well,” Wilkinson told Wales Online.

“Gavin is a very accomplished player. He’s very composed, knows what he wants and how things work.

“He’s also got the skills so I’m not surprised he took his opportunity so well.”