Williams called time on a stellar international career after December’s clash with Australia in Cardiff as he left the Test arena to a standing ovation with his 58th try in 87 games for Wales.
This year will be the first time in a decade Wales head into the Six Nations without Williams in their ranks but fellow wing North insists there is enough quality in the back three to ensure they cam look forward with real optimism.
“Shane is a huge loss but we have to move on and as a back three we have got to share the load,” said North, who now has 16 caps and nine tries to his name.
“There is some exciting talent in the back three and there are a few new faces in the squad, like Alex Cuthbert and Harry Robinson, who are quality players.
“They’ve both stepped up to the mark and everyone is putting their hands up in training.”
Irelandhead to Dublin having beaten Ireland 22-10 in the World Cup quarter-final last October and North is after a repeat at the Aviva Stadium.
Reaching the last four of the global gathering in New Zealand was a major achievement for Warren Gatland’s men but North knows now is the time to push on.
“As a team we did put a marker down at the World Cup but we want to push on from there and progress,” added the Scarlets teenager.
“Ireland will throw everything at us and their provinces have been playing well in the Heineken Cup and Pro12.
“The win against them in the quarter-final was massive for us and we all performed to the best of our abilities.
“That’s where we want to be again come Sunday because the first game is always key and a win could really set us on our way.”
