Wales make one change for Scotland clash
Wales have made one change to their side to face Scotland on Sunday, with Liam Williams coming into the starting XV.
Scarlets back Williams will win his 20th cap at Murrayfield and replaces George North.
North is currently symptom free and whilst nearing the conclusion of the graduated return to play protocol the decision has been taken to allow him an elongated recovery period in light of his recent concussive episode in the autumn period.
The one change results in the same starting backline that beat South Africa, in the final autumn international, taking to the field this weekend.
Ospreys duo Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar continue their partnership, as do Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies in midfield. Williams comes in to join the back three alongside Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.
The pack remains unchanged with a front-row of Gethin Jenkins (who will make his 50th RBS 6 Nations appearance), Richard Hibbard and Samson Lee*. (Lee is currently undergoing the graduated return to play protocol which will be concluded later in the week).
Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball continue in the second row alongside an unchanged back row of Dan Lydiate, captain Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau.
“The response from the players has been very positive in training this week and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to right last weekend’s wrongs,” said Warren Gatland.
“Scotland started the tournament well against France, building on their autumn campaign and they will be looking forward to welcoming us to Edinburgh this weekend.
“We know what we need to do and we hope our performance can reflect that.
“We have taken the decision to give George an extended recovery period ahead of the game against France, in light of his concussion in the autumn.”
Scott Baldwin, Paul James and Aaron Jarvis form the front-row cover on the bench, with Luke Charteris and Justin Tipuric completing the forward contingent. Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland and Scott Williams provide the backline cover.
WALES TEAM TO PLAY SCOTLAND:
Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Samson Lee* (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).
*Subject to player completing graduated return to play protocol
Players returning to their clubs/regions after training today:
Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Bradley Davies (Wapss), James King (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Courtesy of Wales Rugby
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