‘CLUB SPIRIT WILL PUSH US TO ANOTHER LEVEL’– NORTH

NORTH CONVINCED ‘CLUB SPIRIT’ WILL INSPIRE WALES TO TAKE RESULTS TO ANOTHER LEVEL

George North has spoken about the club spirit that’s helped fuel Wales’ historic autumn clean sweep — and warned that there’s more to come from Warren Gatland’s players.

Saturday’s 20-11 victory over South Africa saw Wales complete a full house of November successes for the first time.

It’s been a notable effort full of pluck and resolve, with some acclaiming Gatland’s team as the best defensive team on the planet.

But North says there is also another factor that has been key to the triumphant campaign.

“All the boys are good mates. We go toe to toe when the (PRO14) derbies are on, but we go shoulder to shoulder when the big games come on like today,” he said.

“We enjoy each other’s company, and it is a credit to one and all.

“For us, we know there is another level to go and there is more to come from us, but we can certainly be happy with how we’ve finished and there is certainly a good foundation to push on from.”

The much-heralded depth Wales are building has also been important.

Ellis Jenkins came in for Dan Lydiate before kick-off against South Africa and took the man-of-the-match award, while Aaron Wainwright performed strongly after replacing Ross Moriarty early on.

Wainwright has only been playing the game for three and a half years and the season before last was turning out for Cardiff Met.

Before that he was playing youth rugby with his mates at Whiteheads RFC.

But he stood toe to toe with the Springboks on Saturday and was singled out for praise by North.

“When he has had the opportunities he has taken them with both hands,” said the double British and Irish Lion.

“I thought he was world-class. “For a young man to show that is going to be good for our future, really.”

Reaction to Saturday’s victory plus analysis of the autumn campaign: Sport Wales pull-out