North – Wales have earned semi-final place

George North says Wales have earned their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup as they prepare for Sunday’s showdown with South Africa. A victory over the Springboks in Yokohama will take Warren Gatland’s side through to a first World Cup final where they will face England, who beat defending champions New Zealand 19-7 in Saturday’s first semi-final. It is the third time that Wales have made it through to the last four of the World Cup and Ospreys wing North, alongside Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies and captain Alun Wyn Jones, was part of the team that was beaten 9-8 by France the last time they reached this stage in 2011. Wales have won three Six Nations titles – two of which were Grand Slams – since that defeat and North feels they have earned their place in the semi-finals this year, while he also believes they are better equipped to reach a first final this time around. “I think this one has got a better feeling about it,” North told reporters. “From our point of view, we’re chuffed to be here, thrilled to be one of the last four standing. In 2011 we went into it as a bit of an unknown and got there by sheer determination and belief. “This time it feels like we’ve earned our place.”