We can do it this time, North tells the Welsh

GEORGE North's battle cry sent Wales into their World Cup semi-final with South Africa as he insisted this will be a different story to 2011.

Warren Gatland's side take on the giant Springboks in Yokohama this morning looking to make the last two for the first time.

Wales' last World Cup semi-final was eight years ago and ended with a 9-8 defeat to France following the loss of captain Sam Warburton to a red card.

North is one of four survivors from 2011.

Should Wales come out on top they would set-up a mouth-watering final clash with England after Eddie Jones' side claimed a famous 19-7 victory over New Zealand.

“This one has got a better feeling about it,” North told TRP. “We're thrilled to be one of the last four standing.

In 2011 we went in as a bit of an unknown and got there by sheer determination and belief. This time we've earned our place.

“These are the games you do all the hard graft for.

Everyone in the squad is ready for the challenge.” North will win his 91st Wales cap at Yokohama Stadium, but by his own admission he is yet to fire on all cylinders in Japan.

He has just the one try in the tournament against minnows Georgia.

The 27-year-old still has 39 Wales scores to his name and has previous against South Africa given he marked his debut as an 18- year-old with a brace against the Boks in 2010.

Gatland – planning a glorious finale to his 11 trophy-laden years with Wales – will hope his star wing North can deliver.

North said: “I hope I can.

My form has been mixed if I'm honest. This is the biggest stage and where you want to be playing your best rugby.” Wales insist star centre Jonathan Davies is ready to start after a knee injury.

Davies and fellow midfielder Hadleigh Parkes have both been carrying knocks and Gatland has already lost Liam Williams and Josh Navidi to tournament- ending injuries.

Leigh Halfpenny and Ross Moriarty replace them at full-back and No.8 with Davies returning instead of Owen Watkin in the back-line.

Gatland said: “It won't be the prettiest game. The ball will go in the air and we have got to be able to handle South Africa's physicality.”