George North urges Wales to go toe to toe with Ireland

George North says that Wales must go "toe to toe" with Ireland in their quest for victory over the world's top team on Saturday. An intriguing Guinness Six Nations opener sees Wales, with Warren Gatland back as head coach, targeting an immediate statement against the tournament favourites. Gatland will send out a team containing more than 900 caps, including three Test centurions in North, Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones, for what could be a Principality Stadium blockbuster.

Ireland have lost their last four Six Nations games in Cardiff, but they arrive as the world-ranked number one side following sustained success during the past 12 months. Their results in 2022 featured two away victories over New Zealand, plus home wins against South Africa and Australia. Wales, in contrast, lost at home to Italy and Georgia, which underpinned Wayne Pivac's departure and saw Gatland reappointed three years after a lengthy first stint at the helm that delivered four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-final appearances.

"The cliche is obvious, but they (Ireland) are a team on form, they are playing with confidence," North said. "It shows the confidence they have with selection, the players they have gone with. "I think our main thing is we have to match them toe to toe.

If you allow Ireland any momentum or front-foot ball, it is a long day in the office, really." Gatland handed North his Test debut as an 18-year-old in 2010, and the Wales centre has relished being reunited with a coach whose quality is unquestioned. "I think we all know 'Gats' well enough now that he will be pretty straight with what he wants and how he goes about it," North added. "Again, his big thing is just preparing mentally and physically