Wales look for more of same in Paris bid for Grand Slam

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.

North and company face France in Paris on Saturday after putting themselves within touching distance of landing 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 Grand Slams than any other country, but a first under head coach Wayne Pivac is now the aim.

A 48-7 demolition of Italy – it equalled Wales’ biggest win in Rome – saw them match their Six Nations-best of 17 tries in one campaign set during the 2005 and 2016 seasons.

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 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.

“I think our preparation from a squad and coaching perspective, and the whole package, has been excellent.

“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.

“For us, I think we stick to what we know, we train at the intensity we do and we’ve got to be super-positive this week.”

Wales could still clinch the title with a losing bonus point, such has been their dominance of this season’s competition.

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 wins, against Italy twice and Georgia, from 10 starts.