George North felt Wales display against France was step forward

Wales wing George North says he is hoping to repay coach Warren Gatland in this Saturday’s massive Six Nations clash against Ireland in Cardiff.

Gatland said earlier in the season that he wanted North to get more involved in games, but he has nonetheless continued to select the 22-year-old Northampton man.

And, although North has only scored one try in his last seven Tests, his impressive display during the victory in France a week last Saturday suggested he was back to his best.

"For me, it's never a good point if the head coach is not happy with you," said North.

"That is when you start getting dropped and stuff.

"I felt that Paris was a step forward for me, to where I want to be in a Welsh jersey, and hopefully on Saturday I can push forward again and reward his trust."

North will earn his 48th cap on Saturday against an Ireland team who are chasing a Grand Slam and an 11th Test match victory in a row.

A win for the Welsh would keep them in the hunt for the Six Nations title but they have lost their last two Six Nations matches against Ireland.

"If you look at Ireland over the last couple of years in this fixture, they have just been clinical," said North.

"Over the past two years they have been very good at finishing games off. They take their chances when they can, and we have lacked that composure when it has come to the crunch.

"They are 10 (wins) from 10, which is unbelievable.

"They have got a lot of confidence now, they execute their game-plan very well, and they are a side that knows what they want to do and where they want to go. Everyone has bought into that ethos.

"We don't need to big the game up more than it is. It's a massive game for Ireland, going for the Grand Slam, and for us it will be a great Test match here in Cardiff."

Wales flanker Sam Warburton will set a new record when he leads the team for the 34th time and North added: “It's exceptional for Sam.

"He is a quality player and leads from the front. You cannot ask for any more.

"With someone like Sam, it's not necessarily what he says, it's the actions he does. He is the kind of man who will never ask you to do something he wouldn't do himself.

"In training, he is not someone who stands up and gives a 20-minute speech, and everyone gets up and starts screaming.

"It's more of a chat that is to the point, and is no more or less than what it needs to be."