Trimble out to cut North down to size

Wales wing George North has earned plaudits for a try-scoring prowess that belies his youth but one of his self-confessed fans will be attempting to put a dent in his reputation on Saturday.

Andrew Trimble may wear the colours of Ireland but sounded more like a committed Welsh fan when asked what he thought of 19-year-old rookie North.

"The problem with George North is he's big and fast and he's got good feet,” Trimble said.

“I'm struggling to find any side of his play that's not going to be of a high standard."

Utility back Trimble has had to satisfy himself with a place on the bench in recent times but is hoping to get a shot at bringing 192cm North down to size when Ireland meet Wales in their quarter-final.

"When you face a big guy you've just got to throw yourself into it and see what happens,” the 26-year-old said ahead of the match at at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Mental strength

Despite his intention to dominate the rookie wing, who famously scored two tries against South Africa on his international debut last year, Trimble admitted he wanted to emulate the confidence with which North plays the game.

"He has a confidence about him that typifies Wales, which is something I admire quite a lot. I see it in a few other players and it's something I'd like to develop in myself a little bit,” he said.

“If you think you’re going to beat the man standing in front of you, you’re more likely to beat him.

“I admire that mental toughness, that ability to rate yourself highly and know that you’re going to be able to accomplish whatever you want to do.”

Trimble said a lack of confidence was one of the reasons that he has struggled to play consistent Test Rugby for Ireland since his debut in 2005.

Corner turned

“I struggled with confidence in the past, to feel confident when I wasn’t playing well,” he said.

“Then if you’re not getting that time on the pitch your confidence drops even more and it gets worse.”

Despite past struggles with self-assurance, Trimble believes he has turned the corner and is in sufficient form to force his way back into Ireland's starting XV.

North has notched up three tries at Rugby World Cup 2011 but Trimble has plans, should he get the opportunity, to stop the tally there with nothing more than solid tackling technique.

“You need to stay on your feet and get your body position right,” he said. “Once you’ve got those elements in place you’re most of the way there.”