North: We’ll stick to what we know in Slam chase

GEORGE NORTH says Wales will “stick to what we know” this week when they plan their final assault on the Guinness Six Nations title and Grand Slam.

Anglesey’s North – who notched his 43rd try for Wales at the weekend – and company face France in Paris on Saturday after putting themselves within touching distance of European rugby’s two biggest prizes.

And it is familiar territory for many of the squad as Wales target a sixth Six Nations crown and fifth clean sweep. Wales have already won more Six Nations Grand Slams than any other country, but a first under head coach Wayne Pivac is now the aim.

A 48-7 demolition of Italy saw them match their Six Nations-best of 17 tries in one campaign.

They also know what it takes to triumph at Stade de France, having beaten Les Bleus there in three of the last four Six Nations meetings.

And North, who drew level with Shane Williams’ Wales record mark of 22 Six Nations touchdowns at Stadio Olimpico, believes it is a case of making it business as usual during preparations for Paris.

“I don’t think anything needs to change,” said Wales centre North, a Grand Slam winner in 2012 and 2019. Plenty of us have been involved in Grand Slam weeks and big Test match weeks, and if you start trying to change it now, you are in panic stations.”

Wales could still clinch the title with a losing bonus point, but a Grand Slam would complete an impressive turnaround by Pivac’s squad, given that last year - his first at the helm - produced just three victories from 10 starts.