GEORGE NORTH WILL play for the first time since March, as Warren Gatland has made 12 changes for this Saturday’s warm-up against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Gatland has brought back several of his side’s big names following the comprehensive defeat in Cardiff three weeks ago, most notably George North, who is playing for the first time since his spate of concussions in the Spring.
North suffered a high profile head injury against England in the 2015 Six Nations, before a further concussion against Wasps at the end of March resulted in him being stood down from rugby.
The Northampton winger didn’t feature for the rest of the season, and will start on the left wing for his 50th Welsh cap.
Along with North, Gatland has named a strong XV, with just Justin Tipuric, Alex Cuthbert and Scott Williams retained from the 35-21 defeat in Cardiff.
In the front row, veteran Gethin Jenkins comes in at loosehead, joined by debutant Tommy Francis at tighthead, with Ken Owens starting at hooker.
Alun Wyn Jones returns to the second row as captain, along with Bradley Davies, while Tipuric is retained in the backrow, joined by Talupe Faletau and Dan Lydiate.
Ospreys pair Rhys Webb and Dan Lydiate will continue in the half-backs, while Jamie Roberts comes in at 12, and Scott Williams shifts outside to 13.
North starts on the left wing with Alex Cuthbert retained on the right, while Leigh Halfpenny makes his first appearance of the season at full-back.
Wales (v Ireland)
15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Scott Williams
12. Jamie Roberts
11. George North
10. Dan Biggar
9. Rhys Webb
1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Ken Owens
3. Tommy Francis
4. Bradley Davies
5. Alun Wyn Jones (c)
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Talupe Faletau
Replacements
16. Scott Baldwin
17. Paul James
18. Aaron Jarvis
19. Luke Charteris
20. James King
21. Gareth Davies
22. Rhys Priestland
23. Hallam Amos
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