Get Newsletter

Wales leave concussed North out

Wales have made one change to their side to face Scotland in a Six Nations Round Two match on Sunday.

Liam Williams will come onto the wing in place of George North, who was caught up in an international concussion storm this week – following the two head knocks he suffered in his team's 16-21 loss to England last week.

Wales said in a media release that North is currently symptom free.

However, it was not the first such incident.

"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 year-end Tests," the statement said.

Wales leave concussed North outThe Scarlets back, Williams, will win his 20th cap at Murrayfield.

The one change results in the same starting backline that beat South Africa, in the final Test in November, 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 Six Nations appearance), Richard Hibbard and Samson Lee.

Lee is currently also 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 coach Warren Gatland.

"Scotland started the tournament well against France, building on their year-end 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 year-end [Tests]."

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: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Paul James, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Scott Williams.

Date: Sunday, February 15

Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland), Dudley Phillips (Ireland)

TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

@wales_rugby & @rugby365com

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 32 | How To Win Europe

Round 12 Highlights | PWR 2024/25

Bristol Bears vs Gloucester-Hartpury | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kobelco Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match

Edinburgh vs Brython | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

Write A Comment