We've nothing to fear against the world champions insists hit-man Hook

Point to prove: But James Hook insists Wales have nothing to fear against South Africa

He said: "We didn't fear anybody in the Six Nations, and we've got to do that
again.

"Just because South Africa are world champions, it doesn't change our
approach. We are still not going to take a backward step.

"Obviously, we respect them, but we are going to get stuck into them as well.

"I know it is South Africa's own backyard, but we've got to go out there and
not fear them.

"It's going to be a tough test, but we will have the belief and the same
spirit we showed in the Six Nations."

Victories over England at Twickenham and Ireland in Dublin during the RBS 6
Nations campaign illustrated that Wales possess the mental resilience required
to cope in difficult environments.

But the South Africa Test series will represent comfortably their biggest
challenge under Wales' new coaching team of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and
Rob Howley.

The Springboks smashed England last summer, scoring a half-century in each
Test, to underline the task Wales face.

Hook added: "It's a chance to test yourself against the best team in the
world, and we will look forward to it.

"Obviously, there are a lot of important players missing, but we've got to
forget about that now. That has happened, and we've got to get on with it.

"International rugby is all about strength in depth, and it's a chance for the
boys coming in to stick their hands up. They are good players and they have
settled in really well.

"It is a case of the new boys coming in and getting familiar with the calls
and getting ourselves right.

"I love testing myself against the best.

"It is something I am really going to enjoy. The way I am going to improve is
playing against players like (Springboks fly-half) Butch James, a World Cup
winner."

Llanelli's Dafydd Jones will win his 30th cap on Saturday when he lines up at
openside while Jamie Roberts of Cardiff is given the nod at full-back.