DRAGONS flanker Jason Forster makes his senior Wales debut against the Barbarians on Wednesday but won't be content until he wins his first cap.
So, though he will enjoy facing a team full of international stars at Bristol City's Ashton Gate soccer ground, his aim is to ensure he plays well enough to clinch a tour Test spot in Argentina.
"I'm still elated, it's been a fantastic week for me and all I need now is six numbers on the lottery and it'll round it all off," said Forster after being named in new coach Mike Ruddock's first Wales side yesterday.
"It's great to be involved with all these talented players in the Wales set-up and to get a chance against the Baa-baas.
"Now I want to go out there and shine and work for that Test spot in Argentina."
It's unusual to be starting an international career at the age of 33, but Forster is as fit as they come and believes he has a lot more mileage to put on the clock.
"Its been difficult. You do feel as if you're banging your head against a brick wall," he said of his years of being overlooked.
"But I'm a positive person, I just keep my head down, get on with what I've got to do, week in, week out, season in, season out. The fruits of my hard work are all there now and I'm overwhelmed.
"I've got a new lease of life, a big boost in confidence and the extra spirit to keep on going.
"It's taken me a long time to get this far and I'm not going to throw it away in the next few minutes.
"Hopefully I'll have a good game against the Baa-baas, hopefully get capped on tour and who knows what after that."
Forster believes regional rugby and a fantastic season with Newport Gwent Dragons under Ruddock's guidance has given him a new goal.
"The higher you go, you either fall by the wayside or go with it and shine and I think that's what happened with a lot of the Dragons players," he said.
"They've risen to the top and revelled in the opportunity they've been given at the higher level.
"I've got to mould into the work ethic and team ethos of Wales now.
"All Barbarians games are fast and hard on the lungs and a yard quicker than club level but after playing in regional rugby I'm geared up for the next step.
"The Welsh team's on a high at the moment, they've got bags of confidence. I'm just the new boy slotting in.
"I'm going to find my feet, bust a gut and hopefully not let anyone down. And of course I'm going to enjoy it. I can't wait."
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