Six Nations: Wales leave out George North for trip to Murrayfield to face Scotland
Wednesday 11 February 2015 16:24, UK
Wales wing George North has been given an 'extended recovery period' and will not be part of their side for Sunday's Six Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield.
North, who suffered two heavy blows to his head during last Friday's 21-16 home defeat by England, will be replaced in the starting XV by Scarlets' Liam Williams.
In the second of those incidents the Northampton star appeared to suffer a momentary loss of consciousness and WRU national medical manager Prav Mathema subsequently admitted had the collision been seen by the team's medics North would have been replaced immediately.
Rugby union's world governing body World Rugby said earlier this week that North should not have remained on the field after the clash of heads with team-mate Richard Hibbard, but accepted the WRU's explanation on the incident.
The WRU reports the 22-year-old is now 'symptom-free', adding: "While nearing the conclusion of the graduated return to play protocol, the decision has been taken to allow George North an elongated recovery period in light of his recent concussive episode in the autumn period.”
North was concussed during Wales' loss to world champions New Zealand in November and missed the following weekend's 12-6 victory over South Africa.
"We have taken the decision to give George an extended recovery period ahead of the game against France, in light of his concussion in the autumn," said coach Warren Gatland.
"He's completely sympton-free but part of the protocol is you don't put players under physical exertion, they don't take part in any contact, so we're just following protocols, as we've done in the past."
Of the match in Edinburgh, the New Zealander added: "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.
We have taken the decision to give George an extended recovery period ahead of the game against France, in light of his concussion in the autumn
"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.”
Prop Samson Lee has been named in the starting line-up for Murrayfield, subject to him successfully completing graduated return to play protocols after he too was concussed against England.
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.
Liam Williams, who wins his 20th cap, will be replaced on the bench by Scarlets team-mate Scott Williams.
Team: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (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), 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 and regions are: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Bradley Davies (Waps), James King (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons).
