George North will partner Hadleigh Parkes in midfield for Wales’ Guinness Six Nations 2020 curtain-raiser against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday as they begin their title defence.
The 27-year-old will make just his fifth start in the centre berth for his country after being named by Wayne Pivac in his first Championship matchday squad since replacing Warren Gatland.
Pivac has also handed a first international start for uncapped winger Johnny McNicholl, while Nick Tompkins could make his Wales debut after being including among the replacements.
McNicholl lines up in a side packed with experience as Wales begin their campaign at Principality Stadium, where he is joined in the back three by Josh Adams and Leigh Halfpenny.
Tomos Williams and Dan Biggar line up in the half-backs while Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Dillon Lewis form the front row with Jake Ball partnering captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row.
Aaron Wainwright and Justin Tipuric are joined by Taulupe Faletau in the back row, with the No.8 making his first international appearance since March 2018.
“I’m really happy with the side and really looking forward to this weekend,†said Pivac, who is without Josh Navidi, who will miss the entirety of the Championship with a hamstring injury.
“It is great for Johnny McNicholl to get his first cap, I thought he played really well against the Barbarians so it is a great opportunity for him this weekend.
Rhys Webb is back and George North is at centre for @WelshRugbyUnion this weekend! #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/vq29DiLt4J
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 30, 2020
“George has had a number of games in the midfield for Wales and more recently for the Ospreys and he has been running there in training. We have been impressed with him there and he is excited by the opportunity.
“Nick (Tompkins) has trained really well and has impressed and we are looking forward to seeing him at some stage during the game.
“We’ve had a couple of injuries, Josh Navidi picked up a hamstring injury so he is out for a few weeks, while Liam Williams, Owen Watkin, Gareth Davies and Elliot Dee weren’t quite ready to be available for selection.
“The whole team has a great vibe and we are looking forward to getting out there in front of our home supporters on Saturday.â€
On the bench, Tompkins is joined by Rhys Webb and Jarrod Evans as the backline cover. Ryan Elias, Rob Evans and Leon Brown will cover the front row with Cory Hill and Ross Moriarty completing the forward contingent.
WALES TEAM TO PLAY ITALY (Saturday February 1 KO14.15 BBC & S4C)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (85 Caps)
14. Johnny McNicholl (Uncapped)
13. George North (91 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (25 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (21 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (79 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (16 Caps)
1. Wyn Jones (22 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (73 Caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (22 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (42 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (C) (134 Caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (18 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (72 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (72 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias (9 Caps)
17. Rob Evans (36 Caps)
18. Leon Brown (6 Caps)
19. Cory Hill (24 Caps)
20. Ross Moriarty (41 Caps)
21. Rhys Webb (31 Caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (3 Caps)
23. Nick Tompkins (Uncapped)
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Source: 6 Nations