Fresh from becoming the youngest try scorer in World Cup history, George North has been tipped to play a central role in New Zealand by boss Warren Gatland.
At just 19, North rewrote the record books when he sprang off the bench to score two tries in the final 24 minutes of the 81-7 hammering of Namibia.
Standing 6ft4 and weighing 16st 4lbs, North is an imposing figure on the flank but Gatland has hinted the Scarlets teen’s power could be better put to use in the centre.
And with Jamie Roberts occupying the No.12 shirt, the Wales boss insists the British and Irish Lion and North would forge a mouthwatering partnership.
“He’s got a massive future, he’s going to score a lot of tries,” said Gatland.
“I thought we saw his class and the impact he made when he came on. He’s 110kg and very quick, and he has great footwork as well. I think he has great potential.
“Maybe Jamie Roberts and George North in the midfield could be a good combination. There wouldn’t be too many people wanting to tackle that.”
North’s first World Cup try came aged 19 years and 87 days, eclipsing former Australian winger Joe Roff by 87 days.
And while he’s proven his pedigree on the wing, North admits he’d have no issues switching position if it increased his chances of playing.
“I played open-side [flanker] for a bit when I was young, then went on to centre, wing, full-back, wing again – anywhere, really,” he said.
“The more positions I can play, the more chances of selection.”
