Australian-born Cockbain is an integral part of a Wales side that made rapid strides Down Under last autumn, and then pushed England and France all the way during the RBS 6 Nations.

As Wales fly out for two demanding Tests in Argentina followed by another in South Africa this month, the 29-year-old insists Mike Ruddocks youthful squad can continue to move forward, despite being hit by a lengthy injury list.

I have never been to Argentina, like 90% of the squad, and we have had a talk and video about it this week from Lynn Howells, who was the Wales forwards coach out there in 1999, he said.

What he told us was what we expected - it is a tough place to go and win. It seems the whole country is against you. It takes you 35 minutes to get from your hotel to the ground and five minutes to get back, it is that type of place.

But I am looking forward to it. It is important for us to build on what we achieved in the World Cup against New Zealand and England and in those near-misses in the 6 Nations against England and France.

With all the players missing we know it is going to be a big challenge, particularly for the tight five, but at the same time it gives a chance to a younger group who really want to play. They are full of enthusiasm and have a great work ethic.

If we can win that first Test it will make all the difference. The win over the Barbarians was very encouraging, but we had a good couple of weeks preparing for the game and they had just a couple of days to put things together.

It will be totally different against Argentina. They will be a lot more organised, but it is important for us not to take a step back now.

Cockbain, younger brother of Wallaby international Matt, is also relieved his domestic future has been sorted out following the collapse of the Celtic Warriors region.

The former London Irish and Pontypridd forward has now signed a three-year deal with the Neath-Swansea Ospreys.

He added: It has been a very hard last couple of weeks. I think it could have been managed a lot better by all the parties involved. I would have hated to have thought my future would have still been hanging over me while I was on tour.