Webb keen to capitalise on loss of Laidlaw with redemption Wales win

Wales scrum half Rhys Webb has described the absence of Greig Laidlaw from Scotland’s remaining six nations games as “a massive loss”.

Webb would have been in direct opposition to the Scotland captain and number nine at Murrayfield on Saturday, but an ankle ligament injury suffered against France ended Laidlaw’s involvement in the tournament.

Scotland also lost number eight Josh Strauss hurt during the same game, and he now joins Laidlaw on the sidelines.

While Scotland will be in upbeat mood following a superb victory against Ireland and narrow loss to France, Laidlaw has left a considerable void.

“Them losing Greig is a massive loss – as a leader and as a kicker as well,” said Webb, who lines up in a Wales team showing one change following the defeat against England last time out, with fitagain wing George North replacing Alex Cuthbert.

“His accuracy off the tee is pretty impressive, so whoever replaces him will be putting in a lot of practice this week.”

Ali Price looks set to replace Laidlaw, and Webb added: “He has been playing in the Glasgow team which has been full of confidence last season and this season. He has a good understanding with Finn Russell at nine and 10, so he is likely to start.

“They have got lots of attacking threats, so they will want to play some rugby as well, especially with Russell at 10. He has been pulling the strings for Glasgow, and Stuart Hogg has been carving it up.”

North, meanwhile, has recovered from a leg injury that sidelined him for Wales’ 21-16 loss to six nations champions England earlier this month. North, scorer of 28 tries in 66 Tests for his country, was hurt during Wales’ opener against Italy. Although he was then named to face England, he did not recover in time, with Cardiff wing Cuthbert being called up.

Wales coach Rob Howley has retained a back row of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty, with 63 times-capped number eight Taulupe Faletau again on the bench.

And there is one switch among the replacements, as Faletau’s Bath colleague Luke Charteris is involved for the first time in Wales’ campaign.

Charteris has recovered from a fractured hand and takes over as secondrow cover from Newport Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill. In the back-row mix, Moriarty was arguably Wales’ outstanding performer against England, while flankers Warburton and Tipuric have also been in prime form, so it is no surprise Howley has gone for the same starting trio.

Faletau, as a result of two knee injuries, has made only a couple of 80minute appearances for his club this term, yet he will offer a considerable impact off the bench at Murrayfield, if required.

Howley said: “We have been able to select from a position of strength, which is a huge positive, and it is good to welcome George back into the team and Luke on the bench.

“In terms of intensity and performance, we stepped up a level against England, and we need to take the positives from that performance and take it into 80 minutes against Scotland at Murrayfield. We know what we are capable of, and we want to deliver that on Saturday alongside the result.”

Despite the England defeat, Wales remain in six nations title contention, and head to Edinburgh aiming for a 10th successive victory against Scotland. Wales have not lost in the fixture since seven Chris Paterson penalties condemned them to a 21-9 defeat in 2007, a run which has included four Murrayfield victories on the bounce.

“They have got lots of attacking threats, so they will want to play some rugby as well”

It’s time to deliver: Wales international Rhys Webb