North back to point Wales in right direction
Wales are looking to the return of George North to their backline to spur Six Nations success when they take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The winger is fit again after missing the home loss to England a fortnight ago and coach Rob Howley is banking on him to help return Wales to winning ways.
‘‘He’s just missed out against England and for me he’s a player that gets supporters off seats,’’ Howley said on Thursday.
‘‘(Wales assistant coach) Shaun (Edwards) has said in the week that he’s improved immensely in terms of his defence. We want him with the ball in hand as often as possible.
‘‘His try against Scotland 12 months ago sums up how he can change games. Our back three is up against a strong Scottish back three. It’ll be a good contest within a contest.’’
North is the only change from the team beaten 21-16 by England at Cardiff on Feb. 11 after Howley resisted the temptation to freshen up his selection.
‘‘It was a welcome headache, picking from strength,’’ he said. ‘‘Ross Moriarty was outstanding against England and deserves to start. It shows the strength in depth we’ve got.
‘‘Scotland’s back row is one of their strengths and we feel this is the right back row to start the game.’’
Wales opened their campaign in this year’s tournament with a comprehensive 33-7 win in Italy before the setback against the English.
‘‘We came under intense pressure against England and we were able to rebuff that,’’ added captain Alun Wyn Jones.
‘‘We expect the same against Scotland. You’ve seen the willingness they have to use the ball. We’ve got to expect the unexpected.’’
Meanwhile kilted Kiwi John Hardie has been handed his first start in the 2017 Six Nations competition.
The former Southland and Highlanders flanker will start on the openside flank against Wales.
Hardie has replaced his Edinburgh team mate Hamish Watson who started in the No 7 jersey in Scotland’s first two Six Nations games.
Hardie emerged as a key player for Scotland at the 2015 World Cup but in recent times has taken a step back because of injury and also through the emergence of Watson.
The 28-year-old was sidelined in November after suffering an ankle injury when he came off the bench against Australia.
He only returned to action at the start of the month but was whisked into the Scotland setup for the Six Nations. After appearances from the bench he now gets a chance to start.
Hardie’s move to the starting lineup is one of five changes to the Scotland team for the game against Wales. John Barclay will captain Scotland in the absence of Greig Laidlaw who will miss the rest of the campaign with an ankle injury. Ali Price replaces Laidlaw at halfback.
Former Crusaders player Sean Maitland has also been ruled out with injury and been replaced by Tim Visser on the wing. Gordon Reid is in for Allan Dell in the front row, while Wilson comes in for Josh Strauss.