The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Faletau kept in reserve is clear benchmark of Wales’ depth
Josh Strauss and Sean Maitland.
Wales are chasing a 10th successive victory against Scotland, having not lost to them since seven Chris Paterson penalties gave the Dark Blues a 21-9 victory 10 years ago.
Wales will try to apply pressure on Scotland’s new number eight and scrum half combination of Ryan Wilson and Ali Price, who makes his first six nations start. But the return after injury of George North could also be crucial to Wales’ victory hopes, with the giant Northampton wing hoping to increase his Test try tally of 28.
“He just missed out against England, and he is a player who gets supporters off seats whenever he gets the ball,” Howley said. “We want him with ball in hand as often as possible, because he is very athletic and powerful. His try against Scotland 12 months ago summed up how he can change games and he will be looking to have a huge influence.
“Scotland have a strong back three with ball in hand, with Stuart Hogg, Tim Visser and Tommy Seymour working hard off the ball. It will be a good contest within a contest because they are all players who want to get their hands on the ball and make people enjoy the game.”
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones accepts his team must be on guard, especially as Scotland caught Ireland out earlier this month with some unexpected, pre-planned attacking options.
Jones said: “We’ve seen the willingness Scotland have to use the ball. Marry that to some of the funny things they’ve displayed from set-piece and we have to be on our guard and expect the unexpected.”