Welsh first five James Hook says this weekend’s test match against the World Cup-winning Springboks is a prime opportunity to transform his country’s rugby overnight.
The 22-year-old is setting his sights on beating the world champions on Saturday
and then tipping over England at Twickenham in the Six Nations Championship
opener on February 2.
"It could be all the sweeter if we could turn over the world champions and then go into the Six Nations and beat the (World Cup) runners-up," Hook said.
"That would transform Welsh rugby overnight.
"At the World Cup, we didn't get the chance to play against South Africa - so this is a great opportunity to try and change things around."
Wales was scheduled to meet the Springboks in the quarter-final but its shock defeat to Fiji saw it exit the competition at the pool stage.
"It was a hugely disappointing World Cup. But we've got to forget about that, put that behind us and start afresh," Hook said.
"We want to put as good a performance in as possible for the fans as well - because obviously they were disappointed after the World Cup.
"It is no good looking back to the World Cup. We have to learn from our mistakes and look to go forward.
"It was obviously disappointing that we didn't play South Africa in the World Cup - but if we can beat them things will turn around quite quickly. What has been done in the past has been done."
Hook is confident Wales has the team to upset an below-strength Springbok outfit for only the second time in history.
He also insists Wales cannot ditch the attacking style of rugby which has served it well in the past and which claimed the Six Nations Championship Grand Slam just two seasons ago.
"We have got to have a sort of cup rugby mentality, play in the right areas and take the points on offer," he said.
"But naturally we have got flair, and it would be stupid to take that away from us. I think we have got the talent to match South Africa up front and behind. We have also got a great back-line, I am sure of that."
"If we can get a good platform up front, we have got some fantastic runners. We want to put up a good performance, not only for ourselves but for the fans.
