Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke was full of praise for George North after the Wales flyer shone in Friday’s 17-13 win over Edinburgh at the Liberty Stadium.
North, who was making his competitive debut for the Ospreys, was the Welsh region’s hero as he scored both of their tries but also worked hard off the ball, especially on defence, where he made several important tackles.
And Clarke hailed the 26-year-old’s performance after the match.
“It looks like a new George North,” he told Walesonline.
“He’ll get the headlines for scoring two tries and taking them fantastically well, but I was equally pleased with the complete package — his work off the ball, his resilience after he took a bang early on, his desire to stay on and not for a moment think of coming off.
“All that was rewarded at the back end of the game and that reflects where he’s been as a person within the group.”
Clarke also sang the praises of Wales fly-half Sam Davies, who delivered an impressive performance when coming on as a replacement for the injured Luke Price just before half-time.
“I have to comment on Sam Davies after the knockback he had with not being selected,” said Clarke.
“He defined our character with the way he responded and led us on the field. To come from the world of de-selection on Tuesday to deliver that performance in the second-half was fantastic.”