WALES TO UNLEASH GEORGE NORTH AGAINST THE SCOTS
WALES flier George North has given Rob Howley’s men a boost after being declared fit for Saturday’s Six Nations showdown with Scotland at Murrayfield.
The Lions winger was an 11th hour withdrawal from the team to face England because of a leg injury, but looks odds on to return at No 14 for the trip to Edinburgh.
Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards confirmed North’s availablity for selection again, saying: “George has trained today and is raring to go. We are looking good at the moment. We’re selecting from a position of strength.”
Asked what he was anticipating from North against the Scots, Edwards continued: “First and foremost, as defensive coach, I want him to focus on his defensive duties.
“I think his defence has definitely improved – it was always the thing for George to work-on.
“When a young player comes into the game you don’t select them because of their defence, it’s their offense you select them for.
“It’s up to the defensive coach to improve that and George has worked very hard. In the last 12 months, it’s finally clicking with him and he’s reaping the rewards.
“Then, when he gets the ball, we want that X Factor from him that we saw over in New Zealand.”
North is likely to take over from Alex Cuthbert on the wing, but the main selection debate ahead of the Scotland game is the make up of the Welsh back row, with Taulupe Faletau also fully fit again. That creates a dilemma with Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty having gone so well as a starting trio.
Faletau, who has recovered from knee ligament damage, got 80 minutes under his belt for Bath against Harlequins on Saturday having come off the bench versus England.
“It’s a great position to be in,” said Edwards. “I’d take picking from strength over picking from weakness every day of the week.
“I thought our back row played pretty well against England.”
Asked about Faletau’s outing for Bath, he said: “I’m told it was a pretty scrappy game. Obviously the weather conditions weren’t fantastic, but he got 80 minutes in and has looked sharper in training this week.”
Scotland will be without skipper Greig Laidlaw, whose miss was described as “massive” by Wales counterpart Rhys Webb.
Scarlets back-rower John Barclay is tipped to take the armband in Laidlaw’s absence.
Six Nations: Pages 40-43