Phillips evades the tackle of Italy outside-half Craig Gower

Mike Phillips hopes Wales' Six Nations win over Italy gives him to something build on for the rest of the season.

The Lions scrum-half is looking forward to the Ospreys' Heineken Cup quarter-final in Biarritz next month before Wales take on South Africa in June.

And that is before Wales head for a two-Test tour of New Zealand.

"We have got South Africa home first and that is a big game. We need to go back to our regions and play well and gear up for that one," said Phillips.

"We [the Ospreys] have got some big games coming up, Biarritz away is the main one and that's what I'm targeting.

"We need a big performance out there. I think it's one we can perform well and get the result."

Phillips made his first Wales appearance for a year in the 33-10 victory over Italy at the Millennium Stadium after recovering from ankle surgery.

And he was at the forefront of an improved Wales performance which saw them score three tries through James Hook (two) and Shane Williams.

Phillips admitted he was just delighted to be back in a Wales jersey.

"I really enjoyed it. It was great to be out there," he said.

"The crowd were superb and we played with a lot of confidence and it was great to get a win.

"We showed a lot of skill out there. We wanted to up the tempo. We knew they were going to struggle with the pace.

"That first 20 to 30 minutes was tough but we knew we were going to break them down in the second half.

It's great to be out there in front of all the fans and playing for Wales is a dream come true Mike Phillips

"It's been frustrating. I've been watching all the Six Nations and the boys have been frustrated but it's nice to finish on a high and hopefully we can build on this going into the summer tour.

"It's great top be back. It's been frustrating watching it on the TV at home. It's great to be out there in front of all the fans and playing for Wales is a dream come true."

After finishing with two wins - Scotland and Italy - from their five Championship matches Wales' next date is home to the Springboks on 5 June.

That is a warm-up for their trip to New Zealand for two Tests against the All Blacks on 19 and 26 June.

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