We’ll disarm Welsh ‘weapon’
AUSTRALIA have drawn up a plan in a bid to stop tryscoring machine George North from ending their stranglehold over Wales. The Lions wing underlined his return to form against Scotland last Saturday with his 36th try in 80 Tests, breaking two tackles and carrying a third defender over the line.
But Wallabies defence coach Nathan Gray says he has a strategy to stop the giant flier this Saturday and make it 14 wins in a row over Warren Gatland’s side.
“George is someone we have to be ready for,” said Gray. “We have identified his threat and what he brings to that Welsh attack. We have been looking at where on the pitch he has been carrying, where he has been used as a weapon.
“I don’t know why George cops a lot of flak in Wales. He’s a worldclass player, full stop. I’ve no doubt Wales will use George a lot and we’ve spoken about that strategically. We will look to execute that.”
Australia have won the last 13 Tests against Wales but Gray does not believe his side hold a psychological edge over Gatland’s players ahead of their final dress rehearsal before the clash at the World Cup next year.
“Your previous record against the side you are playing doesn’t come into the equation during the build-up,” he said.
“They don’t mention anything about it. The players and coaches are so focused on the detail of what we need to do to perform. Wales are going to be tough opponents.”