The Grand Slam winners were so close to shocking the Boks in their opening World Cup fixture before coming within inches of a first Test win on Australian soil since 1969 - particularly in the second and third encounters in Melbourne and Sydney - and Earle reckons there is plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the new season.
"I supported Wales in the World Cup. I think they were very unlucky," Earle told the Western Mail.
"They should have beaten South Africa and they came so close in the semi-final against France.
"I just really like the brand of rugby they play. They are expansive, they are physical and they have a good all-round game.
"They should have beaten Australia 3-0 out there last month. That comes down to marginal errors.
"I think Welsh rugby is on a big rise. They have one of the up-and-coming back lines in world rugby. They have superb players and not just in the back line.
"The forwards I admire too, people like Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn Jones and Bradley Davies. They are very good players. I will be looking forward to locking horns with them this season and seeing what they can offer."
Earle is equally complimentary about the Scarlets, a side he believes can push on to big things if they can develop a winning mentality under new boss Simon Easterby.
The 25-year-old is looking to bring a hard-nosed South African flavour to his new club and hasn't ruled out making a push for Wales selection when he qualifies on residency grounds at the end of his three-year contract.
"This is a superb Scarlets team," added the former Cheetahs player.
"I started training this week and found it quite intense. I am certainly enjoying it so far. I am looking forward to meeting all the fans and want to give it my all.
"I think I can bring something new and add my experience from what I am used to back home and the way we do stuff. I think that can help the team a lot.
"I relish the physical challenge. You go straight and hard. It's the only way I know.
"Playing Super 15 has taught me a lot of tricks. I can bring something new to the pack and we can learn from each other.
"I think what the Scarlets need is a winning culture. It's a very young side. That will come with time and hopefully I can be around to experience that.
"Coming over here to Europe can make me a more mature rugby player. Having experienced all South Africa can offer, playing Currie Cup and Super 15, I was just looking for something new, a better experience.
"If the opportunity arises to play for Wales, that would be the biggest honour and I would cherish that moment for the rest of my life.
"When I left home I told my dad that's something I wanted to work hard for. He said 'Go for it man'.
"I will only be 28 when I qualify and hopefully I would be much more mature by then. Being selected for Wales would be a big bonus and something I would really look forward to."
