WATCH: George North channels his inner Carlos Spencer against the Barbarians

Jared Wright
Former All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer and Wales centre George North.

Former All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer and Wales centre George North.

Wales centre George North rolled back the years against the Barbarians on Saturday with a wonderful through-the-legs pass.

North brilliantly set up a try for winger Tom Rogers in the entertaining match at the Principality Stadium.

North’s brilliance

Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams threw a long pass out to North, who had Selestino Ravutaumada rushing up to tackle him ball and all.

With the pass dropping low, North superbly scooped the ball between his legs with extreme accuracy as it floated out to Rogers, who had a clear run over the line.

The move was reminiscent of Carlos Spencer’s pass during the All Blacks’ victory over the Springboks in the 2003 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Rogers’ try was one of seven Wales ran in the 49-26 victory over the Barbarians.

The clash was staged to pay tribute to Wales’ record cap holder Alun Wyn Jones and retiring internationals Justin Tipuric and Leigh Halfpenny.

North not done yet

While Jones, Tipuric, Dan Biggar and Halfpenny have all hung up their Test boots, North is not ready to do the same just yet, although ahead of the fixture, retirement did cross his mind.

“I felt like I was really happy with my performance in the World Cup,” said North.

“(I am) still competing, so for me, I am very much still wanting to play and compete for that jersey. It is still a huge part of me and a big driver for me.

“If the boss (Wales head coach Warren Gatland) keeps picking me, I will keep doing the best I can.

“It is obviously a sad day to be losing them. They are big characters and big players for us and have delivered on numerous occasions in big games that people still talk about now.

“But that is the evolution of rugby, and you have got to keep up with the curve.

“I think we saw in the World Cup a number of younger players putting their hands up and taking a step forward. It is time for these boys to get that exposure and get into Test match rugby.”

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Barbarians George North