North and Hibbard return to starting XV for England game

North and Hibbard return to starting XV for England game

Warren Gatland has named a full strength Wales team for the opening game of the 6 Nations when they host England at the Millenium Stadium on Friday.

With very few injuries in the Wales squad Gatland is able to call on what is his first choice XV with George North and Richard Hibbard returning to the side after missing Wales win over South Africa in November. With North and Hibbard earning recalls Scott Baldwin and Liam Williams both drop to the bench.


“We decided to name the team early to give the players the best possible chance of preparation," said Gatland."It was a tough call on the two changes we have made from the side that beat South Africa, but its good to have these and other tough selection decisions and it's a strong position to be in."We are excited about kicking the tournament off on Friday against a strong England side in front of a packed Millennium Stadium."


Sam Warburton will captain the side once again where he will be making his 50th appearance in a Wales jersey as he will hope to lead his side to victory in a game that will go a long way in deciding who will be the 6 Nations champions.


Wales:15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 DanLydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Gethin Jenkins


Replacements
: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Paul James, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Liam Williams

Ciaran Fallon

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