George North to start for Wales against Scotland

By BBC

Six Nations: Scotland v Wales

Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 25 February Kick-off: 14:25 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC One, S4C, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app, plus live text commentary

Wing George North has recovered from a bruised thigh to start for Wales in Saturday’s Six Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The 24-year-old replaces Alex Cuthbert in the only change from the 21-16 defeat by England in Cardiff.

Ross Moriarty continues at number eight in the back row, while Taulupe Faletau remains on the bench.

There is just one change among the Wales replacements, as second row Luke Charteris replaces Cory Hill.

North was selected for the match against England but was withdrawn an hour before kick-off.

The Northampton Saints wing was replaced by Cuthbert, who was criticised as England scored a late try to snatch victory at the Principality Stadium.

“We have been able to select from a position of strength which is a huge positive and it is good to welcome George [North] back into the starting XV and Luke [Charteris] on to the bench,” said Wales coach Rob Howley.

“In terms of intensity and performance, we stepped up a level against England and we need to take the positives from that performance and take it into 80 minutes against Scotland at Murrayfield.”

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Rob Evans, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Sam Warburton ,Justin Tipuric, Ross Moriarty.

Replacements: Scott Baldwin, Nicky Smith, Samson Lee, Luke Charteris, Taulupe Faletau, Gareth Davies, Sam Davies, Jamie Roberts.