Howley: ‘Phenomenal’ North will bring physical edge

The importance of George North to Warren Gatland’s plan for the British & Irish Lions to beat Australia in Saturday’s first Test was underlined by the relief that greeted his clearance to play in Suncorp Stadium.

North, 21, was yesterday passed fit to face the Wallabies after overcoming a hamstring strain that kept the Lions’ most imposing wing out of the last two tour matches.

The Wales star, handed his first Test cap by Gatland aged 18 years and 214 days has been making an impact on the game since that debut in 2010 against South Africa when he scored two tries. His 6ft 4ins, 17st-plus frame is difficult enough to deal with but already on this Lions tour, North has shown just how effective that presence can be allied to the power, speed and rugby intuition he possesses in abundance.