North ready to be centre of attention
LEADER: North is Wales’ most capped player on tour OVER 3,000 miles from Cardiff, George North is ready to step into an unusual role both on and off the field and take centre stage in Wales’ clash with South Africa in Washington tonight.
North’s international debut saw him score twice against the Springboks aged just 18 in 2010.
Now 26, it is easy to think of the Ospreysbound back as still one of the juniors of Warren Gatland’s squad. The reality – this summer at least – is different.
North’s 73 caps make him the most experienced member of the touring party for the game in America’s capital and combined with what will be only his fourth Test start in midfield, he admits he is in unfamiliar territory.
“My mother pointed out to me I’m the most experienced so it’s a new experience for me to have more of a senior role,” said North, who will return to Welsh regional rugby in the summer.
“I’m having guys asking me what do we do here or asking me if they can wear something different
“For me it’s something that’s quite weird with people looking at me for answers.”
Gatland believes North can follow in the footsteps of All Black stars Tana Umaga and Ma’a Nonu by converting from the back three to centre.
Wales’ clash with the Springboks has been slammed as a money-spinning PR ploy, but for North it is a chance to revive his international career after a stuttering 12 months.
“We’ve trained with the Navy. Their set-up is incredible and with the World Cup looming, it’s good to have people come in to help us. It was very regimented and they were so focused,” he said. “Playing centre will be another string to my bow. It can only help my game and it’s a position I played quite a lot of through age grade before I got shuffled out to the wing. I enjoy it.
“There are a lot of new personnel on this tour, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge. We want to throw the ball around a bit and push on from what we did during the Six Nations.”
North is one of only two Welsh Lions in the USA with Gatland resting most of his first-choice stars ahead of next season’s World Cup in Japan.
Wales face two Tests with Argentina in the fortnight ahead, but their immediate priority is South Africa with both teams having named youthful line-ups.
Scrum-half Tomos Williams makes his international bow for a game which is expected to be watched by just over 20,000.
“Going from club level to international level is a step up, especially given I haven’t played a lot this season,” said North.
“It’s about adjusting to it, but there are some familiar faces around with Owen Watkin and Gareth Anscombe.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there.”
WALES: Replacements: SOUTH AFRICA: