He’s endured a tough week at club level with criticism coming his way for an apparent unwillingness to play for Northampton Saints, yet George North put his club woes behind him as he returned to the Welsh squad in scintillating fashion with a brace of tries in a 38-14 win over Italy.
North was on the scoreboard after mere minutes as he finished off excellent work from Owen Watkin. He was powerful in attack and tenacious in defence too as the Azzurri struggled to cope with a man starting a first game for his country since last year’s Six Nations.
He finished off a move in the 65th minute for a second score and was unlucky not to grab a third at the death as he had another ruled out for a forward pass earlier in the move.
Here, we analyse the performance of the coveted star.
STATISTICS
Tries – 2
Passes – 5
Runs – 11
Metres made – 101
Clean breaks – 0
Defenders beaten – 3
Tackles – 3
Missed tackles – 0
Penalties conceded – 0
30-SECOND REPORT
North had endured a week in which he found himself at the centre of controversy after being accused of not wanting to play for Northampton last weekend. The 25-year-old will return to Wales next season on a national dual contract and could come back even sooner – after the Six Nations – if his club relations have broken down.
While in Northampton he might be a sinner right now, in Cardiff though he was a Saint as he returned to what he knows best in his first Six Nations start in almost a year, scoring tries.
Italy have seen enough of North over the years and he has now crossed for his eighth try in eight matches against the Azzurri.
GOT RIGHT
Power – It’s been a tumultuous few years for North in a Wales shirt as injuries have taken their toll on the big man. With continued concussions raising concerns about his wellbeing and even his future in the game – despite being just 25 – this was a true return to form for the powerhouse. Blistering pace married with a battering ram style, North was an absolute meance all evening.
Ruthlessness – North’s calling card in his still relatively young career has been his uncanny ability to sniff out try-scoring opportunities. And even though he’s been away for a while he was quickly back among the scorers. He was on hand to finish off Owen Watkin’s brilliant run, strolled over for a second and can count himself unfortunate not to have had a hat-trick at the death.
GOT WRONG
Recklessness – Even though his brute strength is one of his biggest attributes it’s easy to see why so many in the game are concerned for North’s health amid a myriad of concussions throughout his young career. He flings himself into opponents with little care for his own safety and while rugby by its very definition is a combative sport, North’s head down and plough ahead style of play can be petrifying to watch.
KEY MOMENTS
4th min CHANCE: Two trademark runs from the big man see him take Wales close to the line from a penalty, in turn leading to the opening try for Hadleigh Parkes.
6th min TRY: Owen Watkin does brilliantly to pick up and counter after a terrible blind pass from Italy flanker Maxime Mbanda. He makes 50 metres and then finds North surging up on his shoulder and he finishes off.
43rd min RUN: Again the wideman is in the thick of the action as Wales make light of Liam Williams’ yellow card to surge into Italy territory. After Gareth Davies charges down Matteo Minozzi’s clearing kick, North carries the ball and defenders with him close to the line. Seconds later Cory Hill is over.
45th min TURNOVER: Tracking back, North makes a fine tackle and is immediately up on his feet to try and steal the ball, forcing a penalty for holding on. Great work.
63rd min RUN: Aled Davies tries a cheeky back-handed pass to North but it was a little too ambitious. Flashy but without the desired result
65th min TRY: He’s been a huge presence all day and he’s over for his second score. Good work by the forwards, Aled Davies feeds replacement Patchell who has enough strength to offload to North and he strolls over for his second of the afternoon
76th min RUN: In addition to his two tries, North has been the most potent attacking threat on the pitch. Another foray forward takes him past 100 metres made
80th min TRY DISALLOWED: North thinks he’s scored his hat-trick on the right wing, but his third try is taken away from him. Wales knocked the ball on through Aled Davies way back in the move. A wry smile on the face of the Saints winger. He’s been devilishly good today
VERDICT
The North Walian was making his first full appearance for his nation since the closing stages of the 2017 Six Nations. And while he’s been away Wales have blooded some new talents on the wing, with Josh Adams and Steff Evans taking their chance to pick up the mantle out wide. Evans in-particular has been a revelation this championship, with five tries in his first eight Wales appearances, but North returned with a vengeance as he proved just what an elite winger he is. Simply put, North is a finisher. Once he gets a sniff of the line he rarely fails to cross it, with his brute strength and fearsome pace still a deadly combination.
He bagged his 31st and 32nd tries against the Azzurri and is now just one behind the legendary Ieuan Evans in third on the all-time list. If he can stay clear of his concussion issues, there’s absolutely no reason why he can’t surpass Gareth Thomas (40) in second and ultimately Shane Williams (58) at top spot, as he’s only just 25.
RATING: 9/10
All statistics are compiled using espn.com and www.sixnationsrugby.com
