GEORGE North insists the World Cup dream is still alive for Wales – but he knows they now have to do it the hard way.

Saturday’s 15-6 defeat to Australia at Twickenham means Warren Gatland’s men now face South Africa in the quarter-finals.

And if they can beat the Springboks they are likely to have to overcome reigning champions New Zealand in the last four and Australia in the final.

But North says the players still believe they can go all the way.

“It's definitely a tall order, I'm not going to lie,” said the 23-year-old wing, who played in the centre against the Wallabies.

“But that's the World Cup isn't it? We have to make sure we prepare right and do our homework and focus on the next task in hand, which for us is South Africa.

“We know South Africa very well and vice versa. There are easier routes to the final but this is the path we've taken and we'll have to front up to it.”

North admitted that Wales were frustrated by their failure to capitalise on a two-man advantage when the Australians had two men sin-binned.

“We're obviously gutted to lose a Test match like that,” he said.

“It was a brilliant game. Our defence was strong and so was theirs. We left a few tries out there but that's the margins you play with in this game.

“They had massive line speed in that block in their 22. We could have been a bit smarter, been a bit more accurate and obviously taken our chances.

“But all credit to Australia, they defended massively. We didn't make much headway and that's credit to them really. They showed what a good team they are.

“I guess experience of winning is always key. South Africa had a bit of a mishap against Japan but they're playing good rugby now and showing how good they are.”

Prop Paul James is convinced Wales can beat the Boks.

“They are a big bunch of boys,” he said. “It is going to be a good test, but we can be confident going into it.

“We beat them last time we played them and came close a couple of times out there.

“South Africa are a great team, are building momentum as the tournament has gone on, so it is going to be a tough challenge.

“It is a quarter-final; we will go away, train hard and get ready for it.”