North eyes more

George North reckons Wales can defend their RBS Six Nations title after overcoming France on Saturday. [more]

North eyes more

George North reckons Wales can defend their RBS Six Nations title after overcoming France on Saturday.

Following eight consecutive defeats, including an opening Championship loss to Ireland, Wales returned to winning ways in Paris.

North snatched the crucial try before the boot of Leigh Halfpenny put the victory beyond doubt.

Rob Howley's men travel to Italy next and North was delighted to bring the losing streak to a halt.

"It's never over, I guess. There's everything to play for and more to achieve," said North.

"We came out knowing that we had to start strongly against any angry France in Paris.

"I thought our week's preparation was great; the team really stuck together through the hard times and that performance showed where we were.

"We went eye for eye, blow for blow and each took a lot of pressure. But, when it started to open up, I thought we came through pretty well.

"We have had a lot of pent-up energy. There has been a lot of negativity for the players to deal with, but, as a squad, we have worked hard together as a unit and been strong.

"I thought that was apparent. We have always had that fitness and that showed. When the crowd get behind France it is dangerous for any side, but that didn't happen much.

"What was good is we kept it going for the whole game. We took a lot of pressure initially, then exerted it ourselves and took the points when we finished strongly.

"The players are pretty happy with that performance. There were a lot of happy and relieved faces afterwards."

North admits it was a relief to break the losing run and he paid tribute to Dan Biggar for the pin-point chip that put him in the corner.

"A lot of work went into that match and there was some great vision from 'Biggs,' a nice bounce and it ends with me going in at the corner," said the 20-year-old.

"It has been a tough few weeks. Everyone has taken flak, but, in fairness, they have got some strong chins on them.

"We have always believed from day one that we stick together as a unit and whatever comes we will take it as a unit and go forward as a unit."

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