By Phil Harlow BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium

We went out there to win - we weren't interested in the learning experience England flanker Tom Rees

England flanker Tom Rees admits he is still on a steep learning curve after facing Wales' Martyn Williams for the second time on Saturday.

The 22-year-old was part of an outplayed pack as Wales won 27-18.

"I equipped myself against Martyn better than last time, but obviously it wasn't enough," Rees told BBC Sport.

"I've progressed from the beginning of the season but I've still got a long way to go before I can start worrying about what people are learning off me."

Rees, who made only his second England start at the Millennium Stadium, first lined up against Williams in Wasps' EDF Energy Cup defeat at the hands of Cardiff Blues last September.

Williams has won 70 caps for Wales and made two Lions tours since making his international debut back in 1996.

And the gap in experience between the two open-sides - and the two back-row trios - told, as Wales' pack outplayed England in Cardiff.

"I'm going to have more to learn for the next 10 years of my career, but it was good to go up against Martyn again," added Rees.

Rees has emerged from the Six Nations as a major plus for England, with his man of the match display against France last week marking him out as a player of enormous potential.

But with England head coach Brian Ashton attributing much of the blame for the defeat to England's forwards, Rees said the pack had to learn how to combat an aggressive approach from their opponents.

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"There was no surprises in terms of the ferociousness of the Wales forwards," he said.

"I think the first 10 minutes was reminiscent of the match against Ireland at Croke Park (when England were thrashed 43-13).

"We responded better than we did in Ireland, but we've still got a fair way to go in terms of matching teams who come at us with that pride and physicality.

"It's pretty gutting to lose on an occasion like that. It's a similar feeling to Ireland, but we can hold our heads a bit higher this time.

"But there's no getting away from the fact that a loss is a loss.

"We went out there to win - we weren't interested in the learning experience, but that's what is left to take from this match and there's more of that we can take than against Ireland."

There are a lot of positives from the last two weeks England captain Mike Catt

Meanwhile, England captain Mike Catt said that the defeat to Wales should not mask an encouraging future for a side lacking in experience.

"There are some massively talented guys and all credit to Brian Ashton for giving them the opportunities - they've been great to work with," he said.

"As a team we need to gel a bit more and be a bit more constructive in our tactical play.

"But you're going to get your highs and lows, but this team is progressing. There are a lot of positives from the last two weeks."

And the 35-year-old, who was forced off just after half-time with a hamstring injury, said he wanted to stay in the England set-up.

Ashton sprung a surprise by parachuting Catt in as captain against France and Wales having not included him in his squads for the first three games of the tournament.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed being back with England set-up for the last two weeks and it's gone well from my perspective," said Catt.