Williams in, North out for Wales's Scotland date

Williams in, North out for Wales's Scotland date

Wales coach Warren Gatland on Wednesday announced one change to the team that lost to England, bringing in winger Liam Williams for the Six Nations clash on Sunday against Scotland.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has selected winger Liam Williams for the Six Nations clash against Scotland

Scarlets back Williams replaces George North, who sustained two heavy blows to the head during the 21-16 defeat at home by England last weekend.

World Rugby found that North should not have been allowed to play on after being knocked out following a clash of heads with team-mate Richard Hibbard, but cleared the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) of wrongdoing.

And while the Northampton wing is now free of symptoms and following return-to-play protocols, the WRU have decided to give him extra time to recover.

"Potentially, he was available this week. He was in the middle of the protocols in terms of the concussion stuff," Gatland told a press conference.

"But we just felt that he had taken a couple of knocks last week, he took another knock against the All Blacks in the autumn, and from our point of view, one of the things we pride ourselves on is the welfare of the players and putting the players first.

"The decision was made as much about him being a young man and making sure he is being looked after from a welfare point of view."

Gatland added: "I spoke to him this morning. He is not a happy man, I can tell you that. He is disappointed that we have ruled him out.

"I said to him, 'It is not a rugby decision.' It is a welfare decision about him and his longevity in the game."

- Jenkins milestone -

The one change results in the same starting backline that beat South Africa 12-6 in the final autumn international taking to the field at Murrayfield this weekend.

Ospreys duo Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar continue their partnership, as do Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies in midfield. Williams comes in to join the back three alongside Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.

The pack remains unchanged with a front row of Gethin Jenkins, making his 50th Six Nations appearance, Hibbard and Samson Lee.

Lee also suffered concussion in the England game and is currently also undergoing the graduated return-to-play protocol, which will conclude later in the week.

Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball continue in the second row alongside an unchanged back row of Dan Lydiate, captain Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau.

"The response from the players has been very positive in training this week and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to right last weekend's wrongs," said Gatland.

"Scotland started the tournament well against France (losing 15-8), building on their autumn campaign, and they will be looking forward to welcoming us to Edinburgh this weekend.

"We know what we need to do and we hope our performance can reflect that."

Team (15-1)

Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Taulupe Faletau, Sam Warburton (capt), Dan Lydiate; Alun Wyn Jones, Jake Ball; Samson Lee, Richard Hibbard, Gethin Jenkins

Replacements: Scott Baldwin, Paul James, Aaron Jarvis, Luke Charteris, Justin Tipuric, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams

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