George North praises Welsh medical staff

France v Wales

George North has hailed Wales’ “brilliant” medical staff as he prepares for a world record-breaking Test match return three weeks after dominating images that shocked the sport.

The juggernaut wing twice took knocks to his head during Wales’ deflating defeat against RBS 6 Nations opponents England.

On the second occasion, following a sickening clash of heads with team-mate Richard Hibbard, North appeared to momentarily lose consciousness as he crashed to the Millennium Stadium turf in front of a 74,500 crowd..

He played on for the final 19 minutes, although Welsh Rugby Union medical manager Prav Mathema subsequently admitted that had the second incident been seen by medics then North would have been immediately taken off and replaced.

Rugby union’s governing body World Rugby, meanwhile, said North should have departed the action, but that it also accepted the WRU’s explanation.

Although the WRU consistently maintained that 22-year-old North was symptom-free in terms of concussion, he underwent graduated and detailed return-to-play protocols.

“At the end of the day it is rugby, isn’t it?” said North yesterday.

“It’s not table tennis or tiddlywinks, it is a contact sport and you are going to get some bangs, and unfortunately they were all on my chin.

“The medical staff have been brilliant. The time I went off (in the first half) the decision was taken that I had taken a blow to the chin, and obviously there is a protocol to follow. I came off, passed all the tests, remember everything that happened and went back on.

“Obviously, when the second one happened later on it was something that was difficult for them (medics) because they were trying to keep up with play and looking at other players, and all they have seen is me getting straight back to my feet.

“When they came over to treat me, I had a full conversation with Prav. I remember everything that happened.”

!France coach Philippe Saint-Andre insists Les Bleus are “not far away” as they look to remain in title contention.

Saint-Andre has reacted to his team’s 18-11 defeat against reigning Six Nations champions Ireland last time out by making five changes.

Into the team come full-back Brice Dulin, centre Remi Lamerat, wing Sofiane Guitoune, scrum-half Morgan Parra and lock Romain Taofifenua.

The surprise selection was midfield powerhouse Mathieu Bastareaud’s relegation to the bench, given his impressive display against Ireland a fortnight ago.

“On Saturday we think that Bastareaud’s power will help us more at the end of the match,” Saint-Andre said.

“Sofiane Guitoune was with us in November 2013, and was even a starter during that campaign. He is versatile, and he likes to have the ball in his hands.

“We all know Brice Dulin’s qualities under the high ball, and his qualities on the counter attack. It is not that Scott Spedding (who Dulin replaces) has done anything wrong, but we now have two full-backs of real quality.”