SCARLETS head coach Nigel Davies has hailed the stunning two-try debut of 18-year-old wing George North in Treviso.

The North Walian teenager announced his arrival on the regional stage with two superb individual scores as the Scarlets threatened to run away with the Magners League clash in the first half.

North had impressed the Scarlets coaching team during pre-season and Davies insisted he had no hesitation in giving the 6ft 4in powerhouse his chance on the big stage.

But not even he could have envisaged the impact the youngster would make at the Stadio Monigo.

"He is a really exciting talent and we were delighted with his performance," said Davies, reflecting on the disappointing 34-28 defeat in Italy.

"He had a lot of work to do for both those tries and he took them brilliantly.

"Obviously, he is still young, but he has a bright future ahead of him.

"It's been a big rise for him. He played for Wales Under-18s last season along with Tom Prydie and at that level he was outstanding.

"He went under the radar a little bit as Tom had all publicity with playing for Wales and rightly so.

"But George will surprise a few this year. I have been very impressed with his maturity and ability. He is certainly one to watch."

Davies, meanwhile, has come in for some flak from fans over his decision not play a full-strength line-up in Italy, but the former Wales centre insists he has no regrets over his selection.

"I am 100 per cent sure the selection was the right one, the first-half display showed that," he added. "After the break we let things slip, but when you look at performances from Rhys Priestland, who was excellent again, and Emyr Phillips and Ken Owens, who played their part, I don't think other players would have made a difference.

"That team was good enough to go and win in Treviso and that team will take the field for us again this season. We have a plan for our internationals and I am sticking with that.

"Yes, we are disappointed. We didn't front up in the second half, but there was encouragement."