Wales title hopes are on the line
GEORGE NORTH has called for a reaction from Wales as they prepare to resume business in the Six Nations Championship.
Wales’ hopes of achieving an unprecedented Six Nations title hat-trick suffered a major setback when they were beaten 26-3 by Ireland last weekend.
It means they now have a mountain to climb if they want to retain silverware.
Not only can North & Co afford no further slip-ups in their remaining three games, they also need to considerably boost a points difference that will be a decisive factor if teams end the tournament tied at the top.
Unbeaten France arrive at the Millennium Stadium on Friday night — Les Bleus have won five of the previous seven Six Nations meetings with Wales in Cardiff — and Gatland’s men must start redressing the balance or face a mid-table finish.
“I am a big believer in sides being judged on how they react to a setback, and the game against France is a chance to show how we can bounce back,” wing North said.
“It’s a sign of a good side to turn things around and bounce back, and that is what we need to do.
“We need to react next week. The Irish defeat was a massive disappointment.”
Wales lost their opening fixture to Ireland last season, but then launched a run of four successive victories - starting by defeating France in Paris - that took them to title glory.
“It is important to remember that we proved last year that defeat doesn’t mean it’s all lost,” North added.
“We have a lot to play for. We have made it more difficult for ourselves, but we have to knuckle down, keep working as hard as ever and focus on what we can do.”