Being part of semi-final is 'special' - George North

Wales winger George North is excited about the upcoming World Cup semi-final against South Africa that has been scheduled Yokohama on Sunday.

This will be the third semi-final for Wales in the history of the tournament after they reached the top four stage during the inaugural 1987 edition and in 2011.

Warren Gatland's men entered the World Cup semi-final with a shaky 20-19 win over 14-man France but North said his side have the belief to turn it around as they aim to make the final for the first time.

"This one has a better feeling about it," said North. "I think we are chuffed to be here, happy to be one of the last four standing.

"In 2011, we were a bit of an unknown and got to the semi-final on sheer belief and determination. This time it feels like we've earned our place.

"Obviously the France game wasn't as clean and clinical as we would have been hoping. But we're in a semi-final, so for our point of view, we've fought ourselves here and we've got the belief to push on"

Wales had a brilliant build up to the tournament as they went on to clinch a Grand Slam in the Six Nations tournament earlier this year and also held the top position in World Rugby Rankings for a brief period.

Speaking about his own performance, the 27-year-old is hoping to bring his best performance when it matters the most.

"It's been mixed for me. This is the biggest stage and where you want to be playing your best rugby. I've not been performing badly but I'm not where I want to be.

"But to say where we are now in a semi-final and to be part of it is something special."

North has played 93 Tests including three for the British and Irish Lions and has featured in four games in the ongoing World Cup scoring a solitary try against Georgia in the opening game of the tournament.