North's star shining bright

However, the 19-year-old rediscovered it in spectacular fashion on Sunday when he ran in one try and brilliantly created another during Wales' pulsating 23-21 victory over Ireland.

Wales coach Warren Gatland hailed the youngster's performance as 'absolutely world-class' after the match in Dublin.

"I was pleased with the way it went," said North, who has now racked up 10 tries in just 17 Test appearances.

"I had been a bit disappointed with the way I had been playing for the Scarlets coming into the tournament, so it was a great feeling to get that try as well, which is always pleasing for a winger because that is your job.

"It was a great occasion. It was only my second Six Nations game, and pulling on that Welsh jersey again is just an awesome experience."
George North Quotes of the week

"It was a great occasion. It was only my second Six Nations game, and pulling on that Welsh jersey again is just an awesome experience.

Threats

"It was a physical match and the body is a bit sore, but it's a case of looking forward to Scotland now."

North knows his rapidly growing reputation will make him a marked man but is taking a rounded view on how to cope with the close attention he is likely to receive throughout the rest of the tournament.

"I suppose you have to expect that," he added. "But there are threats right across the (Wales) back-line.

"And if the opposition are focusing on one player then that means there is going to be more space for the others.

"We have got some big men in that back-line who can get over the gain-line. But we have also showed we are not just about trucking it up, there was plenty of skill and finesse there, as we showed for all the tries."

Wales' last Six Nations victory on Irish soil back in 2008 was part of a title and Grand Slam-winning season.

Fantastic

And, with three of their remaining four games taking place at home, public expectation is sure to reach fever pitch in Wales.

Typically, though, North is focussing only on the next immediate obstacle, which comes in the shape of Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

"We are really happy with the way we were able to dig deep and get a result out in Ireland," he added. "But we also know we can get better.

"It was a result that showed where we are as a squad. There is a huge amount of belief and character here, and the camaraderie among the boys is fantastic.

"We know Scotland are going to come out strongly next Sunday after what happened against England, but we will be going into the game with confidence.

"It's all about the next game for us, and being back in Cardiff is a bonus. We are not getting carried away with the win against Ireland.

"There were a lot of pleasing aspects to the way we played, but there are also areas we will want to improve on."