North’s availability is welcomed by Howley ahead of Lions’ first Test

Rob Howley yesterday declared that the British and Irish Lions have yet to see the best of “phenomenal athlete” George North after the Wales wing was passed fit for Saturday’s first Test against Australia.
George NorthGeorge North
George North

Just hours after being deflated by their dismal 14-12 defeat to the Brumbies, their first loss Down Under, the tourists were told that North has made a complete recovery from his hamstring injury.

The destructive 21-year-old had been in magnificent form prior to limping off against the Combined Country XV nine days ago, with his ability to break and evade tackles identifying him as one of the Lions’ key threats.

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Now he is set to be unleashed upon the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium after assistant coach Howley confirmed he is available to fill the left wing when the team is announced today.

“It’s great to have someone like George available because of his physicality, power and speed,” Howley said. “I believe we’ve only seen glimpses of him, he’s a phenomenal athlete and hopefully he’ll have that opportunity to show it over the next few weeks.

“He’s probably one of the best athletes I’ve been involved with as a coach. He can change direction very quickly, has a great step, power and speed.

“You can bring him in the 10 or 13 channel, or keep him out wide for the passing game. His work rate off the wing is phenomenal.

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“We want our wings to be involved because you want your best players on the ball as often as possible.

“He works tirelessly hard at his game and it’s good for the Lions to have someone like him available.”

North’s presence has taken on greater importance with centre Jamie Roberts and wing Tommy Bowe almost certain to miss the series opener because of respective hamstring and hand problems.

The shock and awe game plan of head coach Warren Gatland is heavily reliant on the power running of North, Roberts and Bowe, with Jonathan Sexton and Brian O’Driscoll providing the subtlety.