Wales wing George North believes that the 'unity' of the team played a key role in their 16-6 victory over France in the Six Nations at the weekend.

The 20-year-old, who impressed in their first win over France in nine attempts, also insisted that their "fitness" always gives them a chance.

"Obviously it's a lot of pent-up energy that we've had, but as a squad we have stuck together. We've worked hard together, and I thought that showed in the end," North told reporters.

"We always back our fitness, and it certainly showed, but you can always hear when the crowd start to get behind France or on France, and it is always dangerous times when that happens.

"I think what was good from our point of view was that we started strongly. We took a lot of pressure initially, but we also exerted a lot ourselves and took the points when we needed to. Finishing as strongly as we did, the boys will be happy with that performance.

"I think everyone has taken a lot of flak, but we will stick together as a unit and go forward as a unit whatever is thrown at us."

Next up for Wales is a clash with Italy on February 23.