New Zealander Hore, from the same Canterbury province as head coach Steve Hansen, already sees signs of a new beginning.

However, Wales have slipped to eighth in the official world rankings, now trailing behind Celtic rivals Ireland and Scotland, as well as fellow northern hemisphere duo England and France.

"Wales had a rough time in the Six Nations last season, but they have definitely improved," said Hore, referring to the recent two Tests in South Africa when Wales pushed the Springboks all the way.

"With the numbers we've got playing, there's no reason why we can't get back on track," said Hore of his newly adopted country.

It is the 30-year-old's first major international appointment but he is eager to get to work with club coaches in Wales in an effort to find the right formula.

Understandable, he sees his biggest challenge as the autumn international against New Zealand.

"What New Zealand have got - and the Canterbury Crusaders as well - is consistency of fitness throughout the squad. We've got to get everyone up to the required standard.

"I have got to sit down with club trainers and come up with a way forward.

"But I've done some hard work before arriving and will hit the ground running with summer training, so that we'll have the right base.

"New Zealand will be a great challenge, but anything is possible - look what Wales did against South Africa.

"Wales will be pretty strong if we get things right. There are a lot of Tests to go before the World Cup next year and if we can get the structure right and work with the clubs we can do well."