Six Nations 2019: Josh Adams 'can bring out best' in us - George North
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Josh Adams scores the first try for Wales against Scotland
Six Nations: Wales v Ireland |
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Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 16 March Kick-off: 14:45 GMT |
Coverage: Live on BBC One & S4C, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app, plus live text commentary. |
George North believes the presence of new Wales wing star Josh Adams "can bring out the best" in both of them.
Worcester wing Adams has scored four tries in 10 appearances, including three as Wales set up a Grand Slam bid against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.
The 23-year-old scored Wales' first try as they beat Scotland last weekend.
"His finish was his only real opportunity, and he took it with both hands really well," said North.
"That was a world-class finish by anyone's standard.
"It's great to work alongside him. He asks questions and vice versa.
"We challenge each other, and hopefully, it brings out the best in both of us."
At 26, Ospreys' North has amassed 36 Wales tries in 82 appearances and scored twice in three Tests as the British and Irish Lions beat Australia 2-1 in 2013.
Wales beat Scotland 18-11 to edge closer to the Grand Slam title
North's fellow former Scarlet Adams made his Wales debut in the 2018 tournament as they beat Scotland in their opener in Cardiff.
"Josh is brilliant. He is hungry, he wants to learn, he wants to play, he is energetic and he has got an unbelievable skill-set and mindset," said North.
Having won away against France and Italy, Wales saw of England's challenge in Cardiff before underlining their resolve by surviving a second-half fright against Scotland to secure their 13th consecutive win.
North says Wales can step up "another level" when they take on Ireland while victory would see Warren Gatland become the first coach to win three Grand Slams.
"I think ever since the autumn series we've been a yard off the pace where we left off there," North said.
"We've shown glimpses of it but we haven't really hit our straps yet as such. For us we know there's another level there.
"We've just got to make sure we are on one page consistently, get a good week's prepping without any rubbish flying around the place and focus on Saturday."
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North's reference to "rubbish flying about" was acknowledgment of the turbulent off the field problems surrounding Welsh domestic rugby.
Rival regions Ospreys, North's present club, and his former employers Scarlets were expected to merge but that proposal is "off the table."
"It's been an interesting week," North added.
"Tuesday [when details of the proposed merger emerged] was a real eye-opener for us. We were nowhere near where we wanted [to be] to train on that Tuesday.
"It's been a difficult week for everyone involved but from our point of view it was all focus on [the game] and we got the result that we needed.
"The more we can succeed on the pitch as a country will hopefully we'll sort our stuff outside of it."
Wales will receive a three-point bonus if they beat Ireland to clinch the Grand Slam, thus ensuring they will be crowned Six Nations champions