Scarlets wing on fast track to stardom for Wales

The 18-year-old Scarlets wing will replace an injured Shane Williams against France in Paris tomorrow night, returning to Test rugby following a four-game absence because of shoulder trouble.

North underlined rich credentials by scoring two tries on debut when Wales lost to world champions South Africa in November, and Gatland is excited by what he could offer under the Stade de France floodlights.

“We think George is a real quality player of the future, someone who is going to be special,” said Gatland, whose other enforced change from the side that beat Ireland last weekend sees prop Adam Jones replacing dislocated shoulder victim Craig Mitchell.

“He is still learning his trade, but in a year or two I think he is going to be an absolute star in the game.

“It was a hard call on someone like Morgan Stoddart, who has done really well for us. It was a toss of the coin kind of decision as to which way we went.

“Possibly in the long term, George might be a midfield option for us as well. He’s hugely talented, he’s a very intelligent rugby player and works really hard.

“This is his first Test away from home, so he is pretty excited about it, and we are looking forward to what impact he will possibly have on the match.”

Williams has said on several occasions he will quit international rugby following the World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

North is viewed as the long-term successor, but he realises Williams is a tough act to follow, especially given his strike-rate of a Wales record 53 tries in 79 Tests.

“Shane is a legend of the game,” said North. “It’s a huge ask to get close to his sort of performances.

“If I play half as well as Shane, then I will have had a good game. It’s a great honour to play in Shane’s position.

“I’ve been back playing three or four weeks now, and the shoulder feels good. I can’t complain. I feel I am ready, it’s just the waiting for it now. I want to get the ball in my hands and show what I can do.”

Jones, despite playing only 20 minutes’ rugby since suffering an elbow injury in mid-January, will be given the task of subduing powerful French loose-head Thomas Domingo.