It was so tough I wanted to quit
But North’s buzzing now after ‘surviving’ training
GEORGE NORTH has warned Wales’ World Cup rivals that he has never felt in better shape.
The wing admits the suffering endured by Warren Gatland’s squad during their gruelling summer training camps left him wondering whether it was all really worth it.
But the 27-year-old, who has 38 tries in 85 appearances for his country, now says he is ready to fire in Japan as he hunts down Shane Williams’ Welsh record of 58.
“The preparation for this World Cup has been disgusting, but it has been the best we’ve ever had,” North said ahead of this afternoon’s final warm-up clash with Ireland in Dublin.
“It has been one of the toughest camps I have been involved in and I was just happy to survive.
“There were a few times when I thought, ‘You’ve had a good career, let’s call it a day’, but you train to play and be involved in these big games and tournaments.
“Mentally, I am in the best place I have been. I’m scoring tries and the way the game has evolved now has helped me.
“With where I and the team are physically and mentally, we are building very nicely for the start of theWorld Cup.”
North has impressed this summer, scoring in both of his appearances against England.
“I’ve got 85 caps now and I never thought I’d get one,” he said. “Going into a third World Cup has really put a smile on my face. It shows all the hard work and graft has been worth it. Professional sport is all about that.
“Defence is different in rugby now and they are much better than they were in Shane’s day. When I got my first cap he said to me, ‘Don’t worry. Trust me, this is easy’. He was one of my heroes, but I could have slapped him when he said that!
“I’m trying my hardest to catch him, but I didn’t think I would be in this position now. It is just nice to be talked about in the same breath as the likes of Shane, Gareth Thomas and Ieuan Evans. I’m very fortunate to be in this position and I feel very privileged to be going to a third World Cup. One was good, two was amazing, but three is even better.”
North’s power, pace and eye for the line will be crucial to Welsh hopes in Japan. He helped Wales to the 2011 semifinals and four years ago was a key man as Gatland’s side exited at the quarter-finals.
The wing is part of a strong Wales team against Ireland this afternoon, with key men Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Davies and Ross Moriarty all starting.
Tomos Williams and Rhys Patchell have the chance to impress at half-back against Ireland star men Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton.
When asked about the risk of Wales losing their key players to injury on the eve of Japan, Jones said: “We’re going to focus on the opportunity to play. It’s nice to see Patch get an opportunity. With the make-up of the squad, everyone is going to have an opportunity.”