Title just the start, says George North (From South Wales Argus)

Title just the start, says George North

9:20am Monday 18th March 2013 in Sport By Iwan Davies

WING George North believes “the sky is the limit” for Wales after their majestic 30-3 destruction of Grand Slam-chasing England saw them win a successive Six Nations title.

The hosts sent England’s juggernaut headlong over the precipice at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday to claim Wales’ 26th championship success.

It was a victory which saw Wales equal the old enemy’s haul of tournament triumphs.

And North hit back at media criticism of his side who have turned around an eight-match losing streak to emerge as Europe’s best international side again.

Last year’s Grand Slam triumph was followed by a 3-0 series defeat in Australia, an autumn series whitewash and an opening Six Nations defeat at home to Ireland.

But the weekend’s record win over England came after impressive away wins in France, Italy and Scotland, as Rob Howley’s men went from zeros to heroes.

North took a swipe at the flak he and his teammates took during their barren run when he was asked how good this Wales side could become.

“It is only a few weeks ago you were asking me how bad can we be, again the sky is the limit for us,” the 20-year-old said.

“We have got to try and stay together, work hard and keep pushing – when we get our chances we take them.”

The 6ft 4in, 17st 2lb Scarlets giant flyer looked odds on to score a spectacular first half try after he smashed through England opposite number Chris Ashton only to be stopped in his tracks with a last ditch ankle tap by wing Mike Brown.

The North Walian, who has already won 31 caps, paid tribute to Wales’ superb forwards who bullied England up front, paving the way for his side to canter to a convincing win.

“I have to say bravo to the forwards – they have done a cracking job, right throughout the Six Nations as well,” North said.

“And as backs, it is great to have a platform like that.” North added: “We came out strong and physical and matched what England were going to bring to us, and we looked to dominate the game.

“And I think everyone could see our forwards were outstanding again.

“They matched them man for man and put them on the back foot and gave us space outside as well.”