North goes East and West
Saturdays match against Argentina once again proved that Wales are moving in the right direction. But it wasn't the national team's direction that impressed me the most, it was George North's - he's got a side step.
A genuine side step. Not a slight change of direction or a feint. North has the sort of side step that leaves defenders sitting on the grass like they're waiting for a picnic. Just ask Felipe Contepomi, who at one point in the match looked like was ready to unfurl a blanket and break out the scotch eggs.
We've always known that George North has the core attributes to play the game at the highest level - he's 6 ft 4, 16st 7lbs and covers 40 meters in 4.5 seconds. But those stats alone aren't enough; and the side step is what differentiates a great winger from a good winger. The modern game is littered with big wingers who've had a relatively small impact on the world of rugby. Without a step, the likes of Alesana Tuilagi and Hosea Gear will never reach the heights of John Kirwan, Rupeni Caucaunibuca or Jonah Lomu (people forget that Lomu could step off both legs). Because without a step, you're just a back row forward in wing's clothing.
It's great to see that North can step both east and west, and after today's RWC squad announcement, it's even better to see that he's going south.
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Jamie Powell
I’m Jamie Powell, a Welsh rugby exile living in east Sussex. My parents are from Ebbw Vale so growing up there was only one team for me to support! I watch all the Wales games and also try and watch as many club games as possible. I have also started to go to London Welsh games.
Lauren Murphy
Exiled Wirraller and Ospreylian trapped in the capital; by day I sort out the lives of others but by weekend I report on all things rugby for the womenfolk of this fair hemisphere.
When I’m not aiding and abetting the hot flushes of the femmes of terraces around the land, I help report on the RaboDirect Pro12 for some of the more serious websites, so I’ll be here to bring you the lighter side of goings on.
Jon North
My name is Jonathan North and as head photographer for Welsh photographic agency ASI I get to see a lot of Welsh rugby from up close. Through my work I enjoy rugby at all levels from the local club game right through to the national side.
In my blog I try and share my experiences from pitchside and the opinions that form there. As well as that I also include my latest photographic work to accompany my tales from the touchline.
Simon Lister
I live in Birmingham, raised in Swansea, I’ve just turned 32. I live with my wife, I’m a Welsh rugby fan as well as a huge Swans and Ospreys fan. Myself and a group of friends go away to Edinburgh/Ireland every year for the away fixture in the Six nations.
I get more excited about the Six Nations than I do about Christmas. It’s going to be a very difficult campaign with expectation very high due to us making the semi-finals of the World Cup. We have very difficult away fixtures in Dublin & Twickenham. I manage to follow most regional games on the internet so I’m able to see who’s in form etc. I shall be in Dublin in February for the fixture. I’m looking forward to seeing the Welsh players back at their regions, hopefully they will maintain their high standards.
Kumari Tilakawardane
I'm a student from North Wales – where, believe it or not, we know as much about rugby as do those in the south! I am a former captain of the Gogledd Cymru Girls U18 Team as well as being a qualified coach and referee.
I fancy I could give Gatland a run for his money and I'm almost always convinced I'm right and the ref's wrong – something I have in common with most of Wales I think, particularly after recent events...
As a lock and Number 8 I am an ardent supporter of the pack. Not one to shy away from confrontation on the field, the same goes for my reporting. Currently located in London, living with the enemy, so to speak... I have to make my opinion heard down here. So, let me hear you... Come on Cymru!
Rene Merideth
American with Welsh heritage and a deep love of Welsh rugby in her blood. So much so I blog from Los Angeles where International games are on at 6am!
Seb Barrett
My name is Sebastian Barrett. I'm from Cardiff. Like most Welshmen, I view rugby as the be all and end all.
Paul Williams
34 years old, but I look 44. I work in advertising and if rugby OCD is a legitimate syndrome, then I have it.
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