The winger became the second Saint to score four tries in one European Cup match, following in the footsteps of Paul Diggin’s quartet against Edinburgh in January 2011.
Like Diggin, North had to wait until the latter stages of the game to secure his fourth try, but unlike that game this final score was crucial as it secured the maximum haul in a pool that could easily be defined by bonus points.
It was certainly a try worth waiting for, as the Lion - who had moved into the centres after just 12 minutes following James Wilson’s exit - won a turnover before chipping and outstripping the defence with the chase.
But he was typically understated in accepting praise from the media after the game.
“I had a lucky bounce, to be honest!” North told BBC Radio Five Live. “I thought I’d spooned it at the end. Sometimes that’s what rugby is about, you get the bounce and the reward for working hard.
“It was a great squad performance. After last week in Paris we needed a win here to get us back on track and that showed today.
“From 1 to 15 everyone’s working exceptionally hard. We’ve bred a culture here where everyone works hard for each other and particular hand’s up to Calum Clark, who I thought should have got man of the match. He was exceptional on the park and deserves his England call-up.
“Same Manoa carried the ball and Courtney Lawes worked hard on the deck getting the turnovers, it’s not just me that put the performance in. Everyone stepped up.”
Re-live the game at www.saintslive.co.uk
North may be heading off for the Autumn Internationals, but the Saints’ campaign continues apace next week with Newcastle coming to town in the opening round of the LV= Cup. Tickets are on sale right now - head to www.tinyurl.com/SAI-NEW-LV1415 to book online 24/7, whether you’re on a desktop, tablet or smartphone! Use Print@Home to beat the match day queues and save the admin fees!
