South Africa v Wales: Wainwright aims to prove doubters wrong

Wainwright believes this period is an important staging post on the road to the 2027 World Cup.

“If we want to get better, this is the game to test ourselves and find out where we can get better,” said Wainwright.

“We have talked a lot about being brave and us being the aggressors in the game and being confident.

“If I was one of those guys coming in for the first time, I would just try and get myself into the game nice and early, be confident, put your hand up and try to make something happen.

“The more guys that can get experience at international level, it is going to be better for us as a whole squad.

“Warren (Gatland, Wales head coach) has talked about trying to get to 2027 with as many people with around 50 caps as possible, and there is no better way of doing that than by exposing new guys into the team with international rugby.

“Once they get a taste for that, I am sure they will want to get more. It is just about building that strength in depth.”

Wainwright, who made his Wales debut six years ago, is just two appearances away from a half-century.

The 26-year-old is an established member of Gatland’s starting XV and will be a key performer not only against South Africa but on Wales’ two-Test Australia tour in July.

He is comfortably the most experienced Wales forward on show this weekend.

“I am just trying to concentrate on my own job for the weekend and hopefully pull the boys along with me in the game,” said Wainwright.

“If I can lead on the pitch, I will. I am not the biggest of speakers off the pitch, but hopefully my actions can help guide us.

“I am feeling good. I love playing rugby, and the more games, the better. I am feeling fresh going into the game and looking forward to it.”