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Cardiff Blues trio to face Scotland test

11th February 2015


Wales have made one change to their side to face Scotland on Sunday, with Liam Williams coming into the starting XV - as Cardiff Blues trio Sam Warburton, Gethin Jenkins and Alex Cuthbert all retain their places.

Scarlets back Williams will win his 20th cap at Murrayfield and replaces George North.  The one change results in the same starting backline that beat South Africa, in the final autumn international, taking to the field 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 Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.

The pack remains unchanged with a front-row of Jenkins (who will make his 50th RBS 6 Nations appearance), Richard Hibbard and Samson Lee. 

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 Warren Gatland.

"Scotland started the tournament well against France, 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.

Scott Baldwin, Paul James and Aaron Jarvis form the front-row cover on the bench, with Luke Charteris and Justin Tipuric completing the forward contingent. Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland and Scott Williams provide the backline cover.
 
WALES TEAM TO PLAY SCOTLAND:
Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Samson Lee* (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).
 
Players returning to their clubs/regions after training today: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Bradley Davies (Wasps), James King (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons).