WING wizard George North has been warned he must improve his form on the international stage if he is to remain first choice for Wales.

North will win his 50th cap, including three appearances for the British & Irish Lions, when Wales take on France in Paris on Saturday night.

And having been ruled out of the Six Nations win over Scotland last time out due to his concussion suffered in the tournament opener defeat to England he is itching to make up for lost time.

But Wales assistant coach Rob Howley says the 22-year-old needs to up his game.

“He is an exceptional player but I think no one has the right to wear the national jersey,” said Howley.

“He has taken a break through his concussion protocols. It is disappointing for Alex [Cuthbert] to miss out and when you miss out through injury or selection, you like to come back a little bit fresher.

“He is looking forward to the opportunity. He scored [in Paris] in 2013 and I think he scored [against France] last year from a kick and they messed up at the back.

“He has a good try-scoring record against France and I hope that continues on the weekend.”

North’s try in the 16-6 win in Paris two years ago was marked by his dad David’s pitch invasion and Howley would welcome a repeat this weekend.

“If we see him in the way of last time I won't mind seeing him again,” he added.

Howley praised North’s achievement in racking up 50 caps at 22 but says there is room for improvement.

“It is a phenomenal record,” he said. “When we gave him his first cap against South Africa, and you look back at that performance and a young player showed maturity on the wing, the number of touches he had in the game, 18 or 19, a great try and his counter-attacking skills.

“What we are asking George is to get back to that standard that he has judged himself on over the last six months.

“He has been playing particularly well for Northampton and he probably has not hit the straps he and we would have liked on the international stage.

“That is the challenge for every player this weekend and that will continue.”