The Scarlets centre - who made his comeback in the 52-26 defeat to New Zealand - is now determined to make up for lost time as South Africa loom in Cardiff next weekend.
Hawkins, 23, made his first Wales appearance since 2023 in Saturday’s promising but ultimately crushing loss to the All Blacks, having been ineligible for selection while playing for Exeter Chiefs under the Welsh Rugby Union’s 25-cap rule.
That rule is now rarely enforced, with the WRU eager to find loopholes no-one else had even noticed, but two years ago it was a different story.
"I've loved it," Hawkins said.
"I think I've probably enjoyed it more this time around because when you go without something you realise how much you miss it.
“I'm just grateful to be back in the environment. I'm enjoying being back and competing with all the boys and it's just class."
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The return of the former Ospreys player meant an immediate plunge into high-pressure rugby, facing the All Blacks and the haka for the first time in his career.
"It was my first time playing New Zealand at any level because I never played them at age grade. Facing the haka was good."
Hawkins delivered a composed display alongside young fly-half Dan Edwards, with whom he has played since age-grade level.
"Dan is going well," he said. "I played Ospreys U18s, Wales U20s and Neath College with Dan. So, Dan isn't a stranger to me. It's good and I'm enjoying it."
Wales’ attack showed promise against New Zealand, with Hawkins relishing his playmaking role at inside centre.
"The system and the way the team wants to play means you get a lot of touches on the ball which is perfect for me,” he added.
“I guess it is just trying not to be too one dimensional… just feeding the ball around to the other boys trying to have a bit of an impact on the game, physically, myself."
Joe Hawkins of Wales (c) makes a break. Pic. Alamy
But the centre was quick to acknowledge Wales’ shortcomings in a mixed performance undermined by lapses in key moments.
"It was a bit of a mixed bag," he reflected.
"I think we got a lot more of our game out on the pitch than we managed to last week which is a positive.
“I think mentality-wise we battled hard for the 80. But if you give the All Blacks that many entries into your half and 22 they are going to be clinical and capitalise on it."
Now Wales must do it all again against the world’s number one side. Hawkins knows South Africa will offer an equally daunting challenge.
"Everyone has seen with South Africa that historically they are physical and they overpower teams," he said.
"But it seems to be over the last couple of years they've added a bit of attacking flair. They are an unbelievable team.
“But for us, the part of the journey we are on, it is super exciting to be able to go out and compete against that."
While Hawkins was making his comeback, Tom Rogers became the first British and Irish player to score a Test hat-trick against New Zealand.
The Wales wing said his historic treble was driven by his determination to fight his way back into the team.
Rogers crossed three times, a week after head coach Steve Tandy dropped him from the side that beat Japan.
“I’ve always been a fighter and I wanted to prove to Tandy that I deserved a spot in the team,” said the 26-year-old, who was replaced after just 45 minutes of the autumn opener against Argentina.
“It was class and I’m really chuffed. It hasn’t really sunk in because as a kid it’s your dream to play for Wales against the All Blacks.
“From the Argentina and Japan games it was a massive improvement.
“We wanted to put our game on the pitch and I think we did that in the first hour.
“We attacked well, it’s just that the All Blacks were class in the second half. We can definitely take confidence from the game.”
Wales again struggled defensively, conceding seven tries and more than 50 points for the third time in four games at Principality Stadium.
But they also showed progress in attack, scoring four tries — equalling their record against the All Blacks in Cardiff — and registering their highest points tally in 120 years of home Tests against New Zealand.
Captain Dewi Lake said Wales created enough signs of progress to stay positive, despite yellow cards to Gareth Thomas and Taine Plumtree leaving them short-handed at key moments.
“A lot of what we want to do and what we have been working on shone through,” Lake said.
“For us (winning) it wasn’t a dream. We believe in our ability. We weren’t given a lot of hope from outside the group but inside that we back ourselves.
“We are a tough group full of character and we know we will push teams.
“We have built on what we said we going to, and it’s now about pushing on.”
READ MORE: Steve Tandy Admits Wales Must Improve to Stop Last Quarter Fade Outs
Wales now prepare to face world champions South Africa on Saturday, but they will do so without 13 players based in England and France due to the fixture falling outside World Rugby’s international window.
There is also concern over number eight Aaron Wainwright, who pulled out of the New Zealand match with a hip injury.
Head coach Tandy said changes will be necessary.
“They are world champions, so we might have to get a few reinforcements in.
“I think we’ll call up a few, we’ll have to assess around injuries.
“We’ll chat as a coaching group and with the medical staff. Touch wood, everyone has pulled through all right.”
