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North: Wales must front up

North: Wales must front up

They face what many see as an impossible challenge but George North says Wales are looking forward to taking on World Champions New Zealand on Saturday.

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The Scarlets wing admits the All Blacks have a squad full of quality but says Wales must front up as they look to respond following a disappointing fortnight.

Wales have struggled to replicate the form they showed last season in defeats to Argentina and Samoa while New Zealand have dismantled the Scottish and Italian defences in the last two weeks. 

But while Saturday will be the ultimate test, North argues the squad can’t wait to test themselves against one of the best sides to have played the game.

“It’s been a tough week. This is our first proper blip in two seasons so it’s been pretty hard for the boys,” said the 26 times capped back.   

“There is no one more disappointed than the players themselves.

“It’s been devastating to lose two games but we’ve locked down everything and stayed tight.

“We’re playing the All Blacks at home. If that doesn’t get you going then I don’t know what will, all the boys are looking forward to it.”

North has been starved of ball so far with Ashley Beck’s interception try against Samoa Wales’ only score from their two games this autumn.

In contrast, New Zealand wingers Cory Jane and in particular Julian Savea have been in red hot form.

“If you look at their whole squad it’s oozing talent left, right and centre,” added North.

“They’re playing a good brand of rugby and it’s going to be a tough test for us.

“If you look at Cory Jane and Savea, they’re two phenomenal players and New Zealand still have umpteen players coming through if you take them out of the occasion.

“They’re two quality players and myself and Cuthy (Alex Cuthbert) are looking forward to the challenge.”

With Wales desperate to get back to winning ways, North believes they first have to match the opposition up front if they are to have any joy against Steve Hansen’s side.

“I think you’ve got to front up. It’s going to be physical and I think you’ve just got to take it to them,” argued North.

“I think that’s something all the boys are really excited about and if we do that I’m sure we’ll have a good test match.

“It’s going to be a squad effort, a full 15 man game and we’ve got to take it to them.

“You have to have your wits about you all the time.

“It’s going to be a tough 80 minutes but we’ve made our own bed with the last two losses and we’ve got to step up.”

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