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Wales make five changes for Scotland clash

Liam Williams 2000
Liam Williams will start on the wing against Scotland on Saturday as part of a Wales XV showing five changes from the side which beat Ireland in Round 1.

Liam Williams will start on the wing against Scotland on Saturday as part of a Wales XV showing five changes from the side which beat Ireland in Round 1.

The 29-year-old, who sat out the opening weekend through suspension, returns as one of four injury-enforced alterations to the backline for the trip to BT Murrayfield and replaces Hallam Amos.

An all-changed midfield sees Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin come in for Johnny Williams and George North, who will have to wait to earn his 100th Wales cap.

Gareth Davies takes the No.9 jersey in place of Tomos Williams, who pulled his hamstring last weekend, and will link up with Dan Biggar at half-back.

The only change in the pack sees Aaron Wainwright start at blindside flanker. The Dragons back-rower replaces Dan Lydiate, who saw his international comeback ended by a cruciate ligament injury against Ireland.

Scarlets flanker Josh Macleod had been due to fill the No.6 vacancy but has been denied a Wales debut by injury while Josh Navidi is also unavailable through injury.

Willis Halaholo, one of three Cardiff Blues players called into Wales’ training squad this week, could make his international bow having been named among the replacements.

James Botham was also called up this week and looks set for his first Championship appearance – the 22-year-old, who made his Wales debut in the autumn, joins his clubmate on the bench.

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: “We were pleased to kick the tournament off with a victory last weekend and to be heading to Scotland with a win behind us.

“We continue to build and to move forward and it is great to do that from a position of winning. “It is a quick six-day turnaround this week but we are looking forward to getting back out there.

“We have picked up a couple of injuries but we see it as more of an opportunity for those coming into the side.

“We have to feel extremely disappointed for Josh (Macleod) who we selected to start and to win his first cap only to be ruled out later that day through injury.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY SCOTLAND (SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13, KO 16.45)

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