George North returns to Wales line-up for Scotland encounter

Northampton Saints wing George North has returned to the Wales starting line-up for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Scotland after recovering from a thigh injury.

North was replaced at the last moment by Alex Cuthbert in the game against England following his injury but is now fit to take the field leaving the latter out of matchday 23 and it remains the only change made to the starting XV by interim coach Rob Howley.

Meanwhile second row Luke Charteris has been drafted into the bench replacing Cory Hill as Wales are aiming to return back to winning ways following their 16-21 defeat to England at Principality Stadium on 11th February.

Confirming the changes made to the squad, Howley is hoping for a complete performance from Wales against Scotland.

"We have been able to select from a position of strength which is a huge positive and it is good to welcome George back into the starting XV and Luke on to the bench," said 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 team to face Scotland:

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon); George North (Northampton), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Liam Williams (Scarlets); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Bath), Taulupe Faletau (Bath), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins).