North at 12 it finally happened!

Beast.

If North is to play centre in the future I suspect it will be at 13 where he is better suited, he only came on at 12 to rest Roberts.

Aye 13 would be better, he's bloody quick

He was a beast in his first play after coming on. Him and Roberts OOF

So far he's made a total of one good carry. No need to get overexcited yet. Maybe give him more than one game (as a replacement) before writing a thread about him (on 20 or less fecking minutes!).

Knowsit17 wrote:So far he's made a total of one good carry. No need to get overexcited yet. Maybe give him more than one game (as a replacement) before writing a thread about him (on 20 or less fecking minutes!).

They said the same thing after his debut performance vs South Africa.... and then a star was born.

It was interesting to see when and where he was brought into the game... Fourth quarter and for Roberts...!
Could see more of this, it's a good idea

maestegmafia wrote:It was interesting to see when and where he was brought into the game... Fourth quarter and for Roberts...!
Could see more of this, it's a good idea

Yes. Imagine being the opposing 10,12 & 13 and you've had an on fire Roberts running at you. Ahh thank god he's being subbed... oh no wait he's being replaced by little George North!

Did North go at IC, or did Davies step inside one spot?

Cuthbert is a better winger than North by a country mile.

LondonTiger wrote:Did North go at IC, or did Davies step inside one spot?

Pretty sure stood at 12 as a direct replacement for Roberts

GloriousEmpire wrote:Cuthbert is a better winger than North by a country mile.

He's in better form but I don't think he's a better player. North needs to remember that he can go round players as well as through them

Mind you McKay mate, by going through players in midfield he is committing several opposition players and he recycles very well. That leaves gaps outside, ones he can also exploit given the chance.

He's a good lad who seems to work hard and also post rationalises his performances well.

Yes. Imagine being the opposing 10,12 & 13 and you've had an on fire Roberts running at you. Ahh thank god he's being subbed... oh no wait he's being replaced by little George North!

Especially if Manu is lining up alongside them. That's a lot of physicality and pace in one midfield.

Think I am right in saying that North played all his age grade rugby at centre and has only played wing since getting into the senior squads. Remember seeing him destroy the England u18 midfield in St Helens, Swansea a few years ago.

Personally think that he is a better centre than wing and this is where his long term future will be.

I remember beginning of last year I suggested North moves to center and I was laughed at.

Biltong wrote:I remember beginning of last year I suggested North moves to center and I was laughed at.

North played centre through the age grade levels if I recall

He might just end up playing 12 for Saints on occasions, they like a big quick 12 for their offloading game. North and Burrell at 12 and 13, could be a poor day for the opposition defence.

Should try him at flyhalf, he could not do any worse than than the efforts so far and more likely to make a break.

glamorganalun wrote:Should try him at flyhalf, he could not do any worse than than the efforts so far and more likely to make a break.

Halfpenny would be a more realistic selection at 10.

Or Hogg...

Think its needs putting into perspective, he came on late in the game against very tired scratch opponents and made one decent carry. As a Saints fan I was encouraged but I refuse to get carried away quite yet!

It said more to me that he came on at 12 itself and that Davies wasn't moved in one position. Does that mean that Gatland only sees Davies as solely a 13? Does that mean that Tuilagi is viewed by the Lions management as the second 12 in the squad? He has the chance to lay down a marker at 12 against the Force although either him or BOD were always going to start at 12 in the second game after joining the Lions later than Roberts & Davies.

Does it mean that Gatland is thinking of having North as his test 23, a player who can slot directly in at 11, 12, 13, 14? If he starts Halfpenny on the wing (to cover 15 in the event of injury) then that is certainly a possibility.

sorry wrong post.