George North has earned the praise of his Ospreys coach Allen Clarke and his reward is likely to be a week off.
North scored one of his region’s four tries as they comfortably beat Pau 27-0 at the Liberty Stadium in their opening European Challenge Cup tie.
The Wales wing has now scored five tries in six matches this season, but appears set to be rested for their next tie away to Worcester next Saturday.
“There will be some changes next week because we have to look after our international boys,” said Clarke.
“I thought George was excellent today. He brought a real energy to the back three and he worked hard in defence. He also carried the ball with real intent.”
North, however, is unlikely to find opponents as accommodating as Pau many times this season. The French club have previous history of Gallic half-heartedness when it comes to European tournaments and they did not do much to change that reputation in Swansea.
After making 12 changes to their Top 14 line-up, they struggled for much impact against an Ospreys team who were always in command and scored further tries through James Hook, Luke Morgan and Harri Morgan.
Clarke added: “I can only look at it from our angle. I was pleased with some aspects of our game and frustrated with others.
“I felt we suffocated them and challenged them all over the field. Our front line defence was excellent, although we could have worked harder off the ball.”
Hook opened the home sides account when he was put through a gaping hole by Davies for the games first try after the Ospreys scrum had given the backs the perfect platform.
The Ospreys dominated the first half from start to finish with Pau only enjoying the one foray into the Welsh regions 22. But Clarke’s side struggled to convert territory and possession into points in what was a flat first forty minutes.
Cory Allen very nearly extended his sides lead when he sliced through the French sides defence only to spill the ball forward with the try line at his mercy meaning the Ospreys led 10-0 at half-time. The Ospreys were far more clinical in the second forty and extended their lead when North burst on to a well-timed pass from Hook before smashing his way over the line.
Former Wales sevens star Morgan was next on the score sheet when he showed blistering pace to race in unopposed from 40 metres out. The hosts had to wait until the last play of the game before securing the bonus point. Keelan Giles chipped the ball over the top of the Pau defence creating a foot race.
With three players vying to win the race it was replacement scrum half Morgan who touched down for a try on his Ospreys debut.
