North might be centre of attention, but it’s McNicholl who can be key
WHEN Wayne Pivac named his side to face Italy today, the vast majority of fans focused in on George North’s move into midfield.
That’s hardly a surprise.
The 94-cap international is set to wear the 13 jersey for the first time since a short-lived run-out in the forgettable win over South Africa in Washington back in the summer of 2018.
Saturday will be his fifth Test start in the position. His merits in the centre are up for debate.
For all the talk of North being moved to get touches of the ball in midfield, in his previous four Tests there, he has averaged around six touches per game. The idea you can move into the position and suddenly see a rapid increase of the ball is a little too simplistic in the modern game.
You could argue it is easier for a modern day winger to get ‘touches’ off his wing if he knows how to look for work, than a centre. If not in actual number of touches, then at least in terms of the quality of them.
Now, maybe North is a shortterm stopgap while midfield specialists are absent through injury. Maybe a change in position is being considered as a long-term option.
Yet, for all the talk about North and the 13 jersey, he’s ultimately not the man named who holds the key for how Wales can – and likely will – change and evolve their attacking game.
That honour goes to the man who will fill the 14 jersey usually reserved for North – Johnny McNicholl. Having had his Cardiff coronation back in November against the Barbarians, he will now win his first cap this weekend.
In terms of Wales’ backline future, it could be a sliding doors moment.
As the former Scarlets coach looks to improve Wales’ fortunes with ball in hand, personnel and patterns will be key to that.
Pivac will want his team to attack space with quick ball-handling in wide areas.
In the forwards, this could mean utilising a system similar to Japan. Two pods – one comprised of two forwards, the other three – largely playing in the middle of the field.
Then you have one player – most likely Ken Owens – roaming around one wing, and two players - presumably Taulupe Faletau and Justin Tipuric - on the other.
Warren Gatland had worked on upskilling forwards to be good with ball in hand. Pivac will simply carry on that trend.
In the backs, one of the hallmarks of his Scarlets team was an all-court game that allowed nine to 15 to virtually slot in anywhere.
What made them so dangerous was anyone in their backline could slot in at first-receiver.
So, for a winger in this gameplan, unless you have the pace, footwork and finishing ability of Josh Adams, you need to be able to link up play.
Think of players like Steff Evans or Paul Asquith. Not the most devastating when it comes to pace or power, but they can work smart when it comes to distribution.
You need some all-round skills to your game. McNicholl has those in abundance.