Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny kicked 23 points in a scrappy affair as the visitors secured a record fifth consecutive away win in the competition to set-up a title showdown with England in Cardiff this Saturday.
It was better news for Howard, however, as the 19-year-old helped England Under 20s to a 52-7 win over Italy.
Howard was switched from full-back to wing for the encounter and played 70 minutes before being replaced by Leicester's Henry Purdy.
Defending Under 20s Six Nations champions England never looked troubled by their Italian counterparts as tries from Sam Hill, Callum Braley, Tom Stephenson, Jack Nowell (2) and two penalty tries secured a massive triumph for Rob Hunter's men.
Henry Slade added 17 points with the boot and England will head to Wales this Friday for a winner takes all clash.
Head Coach Hunter said: "Next week is a big game, and we'll certainly be working very hard over the next few days to make sure we deliver a strong performance against Wales."
