Stopping the great North express

Having faced an All Blacks back three of Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Julian Savea, Dave Kearney pretty much ticked every box in one 80-minute period in terms of defending attacking threats.

Yet this weekend in Northampton there lies in wait another unique talent for the Leinster and Ireland wing to cope with: the Saints, Wales and Lions star George North.

During November’s Guinness Series clash with Ireland, Kearney showed himself to be an assured performer at Test level, both in defence and attack, scoring twice off the bench on his international debut against Samoa and then holding his own against Dagg, Jane and Savea in the barnburner with New Zealand a fortnight later.