North, Brown relishing 'biggest Wales v England match in history'
ByPA Sport
Updated 25/09/2015 at 21:48 GMT
The two star players for Wales and England were in bullish mood as they spoke about Saturday's potentially critical Pool A clash, an epic showdown that has been billed as the biggest in the rivals' long history.
George North will line up for Wales in Saturday's game against England
Image credit: PA Sport
George North is relishing launching his second World Cup campaign on Saturday - an experience that he describes as rugby union's "biggest honour."
The juggernaut Northampton wing was just 19 when he helped Wales reach the World Cup semi-finals in New Zealand four years ago.
But he has gone on to win more than 50 caps - the youngest rugby union player to achieve that feat - and score 23 Test tries, which puts him fourth on Wales' all-time list behind Shane Williams, Gareth Thomas and Ieuan Evans.
"For me, the World Cup is the biggest honour," he said.
"Whenever I put a Wales jersey on, I want to play my best, so there is no lack of effort.
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George North has declared himself 'fit and well' for World Cup action with Wales
Image credit: PA Sport
"But any World Cup is the time you want to be shining, and obviously being so close to home this time it would be a good one to shine in.
"For me, 2011 was a massive learning curve. If I look back, it was just the fact that I was so young and so naïve to the ways of international rugby at the time.
"I just had a few caps to my name, and it was just a massive learning curve as to what to do and getting my preparation right.
"I guess now it is a case of becoming more professional and knowing what is better for me on a week-to-week basis with a Test match on the Saturday. It has generally been about working out where I can be a pain."
North's strike-power will be vital in the quest for a third Twickenham victory over England for Wales during Warren Gatland's coaching reign that began in early 2008.
And if Wales come out on top, it would put them in the box-seat with regard to securing one of two quarter-final places from a punishing pool that also includes Australia and Fiji.
"You look at our group, and everyone has dubbed it the group of death. Obviously, it is very hard, and our first big test is coming this Saturday," North added.
"I think if you look at the (Wales) squad, obviously we have had some injuries, but every man that has been picked at the weekend 'Gats' has got complete trust in.
"I have no doubt that we will go and do a job for each other. We have got the chance to show what we can do."
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George North
Image credit: PA Sport
Wales' coaching staff have been actively encouraging North to target more ball-in-hand time during games, and there is no doubt that he could cause havoc on Saturday if opportunities arise.
"Obviously, everyone says that the more touches you can have in a game, the more impact you can have, and no-one gets more frustrated when I don't get any ball than myself," he said.
"It is about concentrating my mind, knowing when to work and making sure the work is proper.
"They have obviously got two big bashers in (Sam) Burgess and (Brad) Barritt, and the more we play and work around them, the better.
"I think the more Hallam (Amos), Liam (Williams) and I can get our hands on the ball, the quicker the tempo we can get and the better it will fall into our game-plan."
Meanwhile, England's Mike Brown has also been discussing the game.
"The England-Wales rivalry was always massive growing up from the age of five when I used to watch matches with my old man," Brown said.
"They're massive occasions and this one has the added spice of being a World Cup game."
Brown also recalled his act of defiance at the Millennium Stadium in February earlier this year.
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Mike Brown crossed over for two tries during England's World Cup-winning opener at Twickenham
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That match was memorable for the pre-match tunnel stand-off that saw Brown angrily intervene when Chris Robshaw was being ordered by officials to lead his team on to the pitch while Wales remained in the changing room.
"At the time it was a case of standing up for my captain as I was next in line in that tunnel. It was a bit embarrassing!" Brown said.
"Chris was coming under heat from the people in the tunnel trying to move him along so I was backing him up, being the gobby so-and-so that I am, and he was being more calm and collected.
"We need to stamp our authority on the game right from the start against Wales and we'll build from there."
Brown admits that the 2013 loss, which denied England a Grand Slam, "is still inside of me."
"That was a tough day at the office and is a massive driving force for the team.
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England's Mike Brown has rallied the home side for their World Cup clash with Wales
Image credit: PA Sport
"We have been through a couple of bad ones and that was definitely one of them. Wales definitely seem to enjoy beating us, it's intense.
"It's a rivalry that's been going on for a number of years - we've all grown up watching it. Wales love their rugby and they love beating England so it makes for a great occasion.
"We can't wait to get out there, it's going to be one hell of an occasion and we're lucky to be part of it.
"England seem to have a lot of grudge matches or rivalries - it's hard to put one above the rest, but I know this will be an incredible occasion and a great game.
"It's a tough pool to start with so to have Wales is a great day and a great game. The physicality and intensity suits me down to the ground, I can't wait to get out there."
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