Fullback Willie Le Roux believes South Africa are moving in the right direction towards being a feared team again.
The Springboks will end their European tour by tackling Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, following victories over France and Scotland and a controversial one-point loss to England.
Earlier this year, they beat England twice and world champions New Zealand, which proved in stark contrast to some of their 2017 miserable performances and results.
The Springboks are making clear progress under Rassie Erasmus, and Wales will provide another benchmark of their progress, having beaten South Africa in four of the countries' last five meetings.
"We went back to our traditional way, how the Springboks play rugby," Wasps and Springboks full-back Le Roux said.
"There was a stage where people did not fear the Springboks any more, or the badge. We are getting that back through the structures Rassie has built.
"Everyone in the team is equal, and it makes a big difference. The guys are playing for each other more and we know what it means for our country back home.
"We enjoy going out and wearing the jersey."
Le Roux did not feature at all for the Springboks last year, and he admits there were times when he thought his Test career might be over.
"I went home for the (2017) June series against France and watched as a spectator, sitting on the other side," he added.
"They set off the flame in me again, and I knew I had to try harder to get back in because it is something special. There were times I thought I would never play again.
"When I came through, the likes of Jean De Villiers and Bryan Habana were there. I am now one of the seniors, and it is a different role on the field.
"I speak a lot and try to talk to the younger guys. Sometimes it looks as if you are yelling at them, but it isn't. It is telling them to look up and see where the space is.
"We learnt a lot from Twickenham (earlier this month). Handre Pollard's kick just touched the upright, and we could have won it.
"These matches are so close. Australia and Wales was 9-6, no tries. They are so tight and come down to marginal decisions."
