“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.”