NOW that he has had a taste of Test match rugby, Newport Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill is eager for more of the same.

Hill made his first international start at senior level on Saturday, a fortnight after the 24-year-old was handed his debut as a second-half replacement against Australia.

The second row impressed in the 32-8 defeat to the Wallabies and again during the weekend’s narrow win over Japan, which was sealed by a late Sam Davies drop-goal.

Hill is hoping his performance – he was on the field for an hour before making way for Jake Ball – was enough to earn him a place in the squad for Wales’ final outing of the autumn.

A wounded South Africa side, fresh from a first loss to Italy, visit the Principality Stadium this Saturday looking to reclaim some pride following that shock reverse in Florence.

Hill is keen to play a part as Wales bid for just a third ever win against the Springboks, and the Dragons ace doesn’t want it to end there.

“I had 60-odd minutes (against Japan) and did what I did, hopefully it’s enough to be in the 23 for next weekend,” he said.

“I take it step by step and try and take it all in. It’s been a great three weeks for me so far and hopefully I can finish off with a great fourth week.

“Every young Welshman wants to come through and play for Wales. I’ve done that now and hopefully I can stay here.

“You’ve got to keep your form up for your club, keep on playing well and you never know what could happen.”

On his first start, he added: “It was nice to get my first start but we wanted to put in a better performance as a team, and we were a bit lucky to snatch a win at the end.”

When asked if South Africa’s disappointment in Italy will make Wales’ job any easier, Hill said: “I suppose you’ve got to look at it that way but when we lost to Australia we needed to bounce back, and that’s what we did against Argentina.

“I’m sure they will be hurting and looking to do the same this week, so I think it will be a very good game on the weekend.

“South Africa are a much bigger outfit (than Japan) and much more physical, but I’m sure they won’t run as much as Japan, and I’m sure the game will be a little bit slower and more physical.”