George North admits this autumn’s clashes with New Zealand and Australia will prove the acid test as Wales look to break into the world’s top three.
The Scarlets flyer, who helped Wales to a third RBS 6 Nations grand slam earlier this year, was a keen spectator as a draw with Australia ended the All-Blacks’ bid for a record 17 consecutive test victories last weekend.
But the 20 year-old international is not kidding himself about the level required to perform against the Kiwis on November 24.
“I saw the highlights of their game against Australia. It looked like a great game,” said North, capped 24 times so far for his country.
“It was 18-all and New Zealand were going for a record number of wins and that kind of sets the standard.
“If those two can battle for 80 minutes and it comes down to a drop-goal, I think that’s the standard we have got to try and compete at if we want to be top three in the world.”
Wales have not beaten the All-Blacks since 1953, when they overcame the Southern Hemisphere powerhouses 13-8 at Cardiff Arms Park.
North knows the size of the challenge facing him and his Welsh colleagues but insists that Warren Gatland’s men will do everything they can to exploit any weak spots in the formidable New Zealand line-up.
And with more experience under his belt since he first faced the Haka, he is itching to put it into practice this autumn.
“Every team has got its negative points where you can beat them. When it comes to the game you have just got to play what you see,” added North.
“If they look at us, they can see ways they can beat us, but I’m sure we will sit down, analyse their game and work out different ways of having a crack at them.
“I played the All Blacks in my first home series. It was my third cap. I think I’m an older, wiser player. My game has come on a lot since then.
“You want to get on the pitch to get experience against the world’s best team.”
