Six Nations 2018: Wales name unchanged starting XV to face England but George North returns to replacements

Gatland sticks with the same XV that started the 34-7 rout of Scotland but brings fit-again North in among the replacements ahead of Owen Watkin

George North could make his first appearance for Wales since last year's Six Nations (Getty)

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has kept faith with the starting line-up that crushed Scotland in the opening game of the Six Nations Championship last Saturday for this weekend’s crucial encounter with England, but has recalled fit-again wing George North to the replacements to cover an injury concern over Josh Adams.

Both North and full-back Liam Williams were in consideration for selection after injury lay-offs, but after the 34-7 victory over Scotland at the Principality Stadium Gatland has rewarded the side with another big chance to impress against Six Nations table-toppers England at Twickenham.

“It’s great to name an unchanged starting XV, the players deserve that for a very good performance on the opening weekend,” Gatland said.

“We have made one change on the bench, with George coming in for Owen [Watkin], which is tough on Owen but Josh [Adams] picked up a slight strain last weekend so George provides us a bit more cover there.”

Adams made his debut international at the weekend and, providing he recovers fully from the thigh knock, will maintain his place despite the availability of the 69-cap North. But the presence of the 25-year-old will see both Adams and left wing Steff Evans forced to up their game if they are to keep hold of the shirts beyond the second round.

North has not played for Wales since the final Six Nations round last year in the 20-18 defeat by France, having missed the summer tour of New Zealand due to his participation with the British and Irish Lions, before a knee ligament injury ruled him out of the autumn internationals.

Having returned to action with Northampton Saints only to suffer a month-long setback on his comeback, Gatland sent North back to Franklin’s Gardens last weekend to feature in the 36-10 Anglo-Welsh Cup victory over Harlequins last Friday, scoring the first try after just five minutes and completing the full 80 minutes for the first time since October.

Gatland also knows from experience that much of the battle will be won in the forward pack, having trained against the English last November ahead of the autumn internationals, and the presence of an unchanged front eight will give Wales some much-needed continuity ahead of the clash between the top two sides.

“We know how tough it is going to be against that huge English forward pack,” Gatland added. “They are really going to test us. England have been in great form the last couple of years so we know the challenge we face but we have had a good couple of weeks in camp and we are looking forward to going up to Twickenham.”

Wales thrashed Scotland 34-7 in Cardiff on Saturday (Getty)

Alun Wyn Jones will captain the team alongside Cory Hill, who impressed in the win over Scotland with his powerful ball carrying, while openside flanker Josh Navidi will look to build on the standout performance in defence as well as his play in the loose with ball in hand.

Rhys Patchell continues at fly-half ahead of Gareth Anscombe, who remains on the bench, while both Dan Biggar and Rhys Priestland remain absent with injury.

Wales team to face England

Leigh Halfpenny; Josh Adams, Scott Williams, Hadleigh Parkes, Steff Evans; Rhys Patchell, Gareth Davies; Rob Evans, Ken Owens, Samson Lee; Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones; Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi, Ross Moriarty.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Wyn Jones, Tomas Francis, Bradley Davies, Justin Tipuric, Aled Davies, Gareth Anscombe, George North.