North targets winning exit

– George North (above) is set for an emotional farewell to international rugby against Italy in Cardiff today as Wales bid to avoid a first Six Nations whitewash in more than 20 years.

Wales became accustomed to Six Nations success during Warren Gatland’s first spell as coach from 2007 to 2019, winning four titles, including three Grand Slams.

But Wales finished fifth last season after Gatland replaced fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac.

And if Wales fail to beat Italy at the Principality Stadium, they will end the tournament at the foot of the table for the first time since 2003 when another New Zealander, Steve Hansen, was at the helm.

Defeat would mean Wales had lost all five of their matches in a single Six Nations – a first since that woeful campaign of 21 years ago.

North made his bombshell retirement announcement moments after Gatland had recalled the 31-year-old centre on Wednesday following Wales’s 45-24 loss at home to France last weekend.

Today’s match will now be North’s 121st and final Wales appearance, with the powerhouse back’s current tally of 47 tries for his county bettered only by Shane Williams’ 58.

But while North, who will be moving to French club Provence next season, said he wanted to “live my dream again one more time”, he was well aware of the context of today’s match.

“I said (to the squad), let’s not get weird...I asked them for nothing to change from what we always do. For us, it is a must-win game and the focus should never be on one individual.”

North is the latest big-name Wales player to step down from international rugby over the past 10 months, following Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny.

Gatland, however, said those who remained had to step up against Italy.

“You find out about people in weeks like this when you are under a bit of pressure, how you respond to that pressure, who is going to put their hand up, who is going to accept the responsibility,” he explained.

North’s return should give Wales a greater physical presence after they were simply overpowered by the strength of France’s bench.

Italy will kick-off in Cardiff buoyed by a dramatic 31-29 victory over Scotland in Rome, the

Azzurri’s first home Six Nations win in 11 years. –