WALES’ giant wing George North acknowledges attack coach Rob Howley’s criticism of him was spot on after his well below par performance in the 24-15 defeat to South Africa last week, writes Iwan Gabe Davies.

The 6ft 4in and 17st 3lb powerhouse will be looking to replicate the kind of displays that made his one of the stars of the British and Irish Lions triumphant tour of Australia this summer.

Howley rebuked North in public this week when he went on record to say he was “a bit disappointed” with the way the North Walian played against the Boks, calling on him to reproduce the devastating form he showed against the Wallabies, the new Northampton Saints man scoring two tries during the 2-1 series victory.

On being asked about his coach’s direct words, the 21-year-old replied: "Yes, that's fair. Obviously it's been a pretty mental season coming back from the Lions and straight into a new club and having to get used to it.

"It is nice to be back in Wales, but I knew last weekend my game wasn't up to scratch.

"So it's been a big week for me personally and I'm looking forward to the challenge this weekend.”

North, who wins his 33rd cap this afternoon, is looking to avenge last November’s shock defeat to Argentina, Grand Slam-winning Wales hammered 26-12 by the Pumas at the Millennium Stadium.

"The challenge is obvious from the disappointment of last year,” he said. "We've worked hard on our lineout defence and defending the maul.

"A huge positive has been the way we've dominated the air in the last couple of years, and we had a bad day at the office. Sometimes it happens in a game. Things didn’t go our way, and let's not get too hung-up about it.

"We have got to look at retaining possession, and if we do that then it is looking for the opportunities to exploit that possession.”

On speculation his physical presence could soon be used in the centre, especially with Lions Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies out injured, North said: "What will be, will be. I'm at the ripe old age of 21 now so we'll see what happens if I get a bit slower!

"I don't really know, it's not a question for me to answer. I'm enjoying where I'm playing now and if I'm on the pitch I'm happy.

"Apparently people want to see me at centre, but I don't really know why. We'll see going forward, but at the moment I'm happy on the wing.”