GO GEORGE!

WALES ARE DESPERATE FOR NORTH TO MAKE IT

WALES will give George North up to an hour before kick-off before deciding whether their star wing is fit to start the Six Nations battle with England.

North has been struggling to recover from a nasty thigh knock suffered against Italy. Wales insist the Northampton back has done what’s required of him to prepare for the game, but it remains touch and go as to whether he will run out at Principality Stadium.

The British Lion played a limited role in training on Friday and was seen stretching before the captain’s run session was closed to the media.

Pressed on whether North was fit, Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde said: “We’ll give George as long as possible – he has done everything we’ve asked him to do, but we’ve got contingency plans in place.

“All I can do is rely on what the medics are telling me. It’s obviously a close call because we’re leaving it so late. Whatever happens, we’ll be ready for kick-off.”

Should North be unavailable, Alex Cuthbert will come in on the right wing but there is better news on fly-half Dan Biggar who is fit to begin the game.

“We’ve spoken with all the players involved to make sure they’re ready should the call come,” said McBryde. “It’s not ideal, but it’s something professional rugby players are used to.”

One man who is certain to start for Wales is Scott Williams. The Scarlets’ back is now first-choice insidecentre and scored a crucial try against England at Twickenham in 2012. It sealed a Triple Crown for Wales that year, but Williams is looking to the future instead of the past.

“I get reminded about that try all the time. I hope I can create some more memories this weekend,” said the man who will go head-to-head with Owen Farrell this afternoon.

“England have shown themselves to be the best team in the world in the last 12 months and it is a massive week for us, one of the biggest games I have played in so far.

“We need to make sure that we play at our best to have any chance of winning.”