The 20-year-old Hawkins starts at centre with North and will be making his debut in championship rugby having made his debut in the final game in the Autumn Nations Series earlier this season against Australia.
Now the duo team up to kick-off the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, when they will go head-to-head with Stuart McCluskey and Garry Ringrose.
It will be cap No 2 for Hawkins, while the 30-year-old will reach 110 for his country. He also played in three Tests for the British & Irish Lions.
North and Hawkins have been part of an Ospreys side which has qualified for the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup this season, and North has paid tribute to his centre partner’s abilities.
“Joe will bring youth and energy and he has been on great form for the Ospreys. He has been building nicely and we have all seen him build through the Wales U20s and the age-grade levels, said North, who first burst onto the international scene by scoring two tries on debut against South Africa.
“He is a good footballer, he is physical and a good ball player too, I have enjoyed playing with him at the Ospreys and we are both looking forward to the game.
“The confidence we have had from the Ospreys form should hold us in good stead. Those connections we have from our clubs to bring to Wales, means the boys know each other well.
“The preparation has been good and its been physical and fast and very direct about what we want to achieve. I am hoping that will help us Saturday.
“Joe has flourished at the Ospreys and he is a good professional, like lots of the younger boys now coming through the Academy system. He knows how to look after himself and how to go about his work.
“I am looking forward to Saturday especially after his performance against Australia in the Autumn.”
North, who has scored 43 Test tries for Wales is second on the all-time try-scoring list behind Shane Williams (58). He is under no illusions of the challenge Ireland will pose his Wales side.
“They are a team in form, playing with confidence and the selections they have made shows the confidence they have,” said North.
“Our main thing is that we know we have to match them and go toe-to-toe, if you allow Ireland any momentum, or front foot ball, it’s a long day at the office.
“We have to match them toe-to-toe.”
