CUTHBERT’S IN WINGS IF NORTH FAILS TO MAKE IT

ALEX CUTHBERT has been placed on standby to start against England tomorrow after George North was granted an extra 24 hours to prove his fitness. Cuthbert, who almost quit Welsh rugby last year because of constant abuse on Twitter, has been running training drills in place of the 24-year-old. North is still in pain with a dead leg suffered in the win against Italy on Sunday, forcing interim head coach Rob Howley to devise a contingency plan if he does not recover. Cuthbert has not been named in the 23 for Cardiff but the out-of-form wing is being considered ahead of Ashton Hewitt and Steff Evans. Howley also has doubts over Dan Biggar, who has been selected ahead of Sam Davies at No 10 despite not having fully recovered from a rib injury. Wales have their captain’s run this morning, and if Biggar continues to struggle, Leicester fly-half Owen Williams is braced to be called back to the squad to sit on the bench. Howley said: ‘George and Dan will be given every opportunity to prove their fitness. They are important players. George hasn’t done too much this week. ‘I’ve spoken to Aaron Mauger at Leicester. We’ve released Owen as we’re very confident that Dan will make it, but Aaron is well aware of the situation if there are any mishaps.’ Wales have named a bench that features the Lions experience of Jamie Roberts, the energy of returning No 8 Toby Faletau and the vision of rookie No 10 Davies. ‘Every coach will tell you it’s about the whole squad,’ said Howley. ‘The last 20 minutes are pretty key when the game loosens up. That happened against Italy. ‘Wales against England at the Millennium Stadium probably has had six or seven points in it, when England have gone on to win the game. It’s always a tight affair.’