Bayonne scrum-half Phillips picked up the man-of-the-match award after the triumph at the Aviva Stadium but it should have gone to his 19-year-old team-mate.

North created one score for Jonathan Davies and then powered over for a try of his own to ensure Wales maintained the momentum they finished the World Cup with.

With 61 caps to his name Phillips has seen promising players come and go from the international stage but in North the scrum-half insists coach Warren Gatland has unearthed a world class talent.

“I didn’t think I deserved Man of the Match. My choice would have been George,” said Phillips.

“There were so many people that played well, but George’s couple of touches there were world class.

“It’s great to have someone like that in the side. He’s got total star quality. Not many players have that ability which can just turn games.

He’s got it in abundance and it’s great for Wales. He’s a great bloke as well, a totally down to earth person, not big-headed in any way.

“I know I can improve on that performance. I’m never really happy with the way I play.

“But I will accept man of the match. I wasn’t going to give it back!”