North, Biggar and Faletau fit to face England

Dan Biggar and George North have been passed fit to start Wales’ Six Nations clash with England on Saturday, while Taulupe Faletau has been named among the replacements.

Biggar damaged his ribs during a 33-7 win over Italy last Sunday, while wing North was also a doubt to face the defending champions after suffering a thigh injury in Rome.

But the key duo will feature in Cardiff this weekend after coming through fitness tests and number eight Faletau is set to make his first appearance of the year from the bench.

Faletau has not played since damaging his knee in Bath’s Premiership defeat to Wasps on Christmas Eve, but is in line to make a welcome comeback for Rob Howley’s men.

Props Rob Evans and Tomas Francis are preferred to Nicky Smith and Samson Lee, who drop to the bench after starting against Conor O’Shea’s men on the opening weekend of the tournament.

Howley said: “We have had a short turnaround but Dan and George have worked hard with the medics and we are pleased to be able to name them.

“Both Rob and Tomas made a big impact off the bench last weekend and deserve their opportunity to start.”

Wales starting XV: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Rob Evans, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis; Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones [captain]; Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Ross Moriarty.

Replacements: Scott Baldwin, Nicky Smith, Samson Lee, Cory Hill, Taulupe Faletau, Gareth Davies, Sam Davies, Jamie Roberts.