North set for Wales return

Fit-again wing George North is “raring to go” for Saturday’s Six Nations encounter with Scotland, Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards has revealed.

The British and Irish Lions flyer missed the defeat against England last time out due to a dead leg he sustained during a 33-7 victory over Italy on the opening weekend of the tournament.

Alex Cuthbert got the nod to replace North, but the Northampton Saints man is set to return at Murrayfield after coming through training on Tuesday.

“George has trained today and is raring to go,” said Edwards.

“We are looking very healthy all around at the moment. We’re definitely healthier than we were in the England week. We’re selecting from a position of strength.”

North made his name due to his potency in attack, but Edwards has been impressed with the 24-year-old’s improvement defensively in the last year.

“First and foremost, as defensive coach, I want him to focus on his defensive duties,” Edwards replied when asked what he was looking for North to contribute.

“I think his defence has definitely improved – it was always George’s work-on. When you come into this game as a young player, you don’t select them because of their defence. It’s their attack you select them by.

“It’s up to the defensive coach to improve that and George has worked very hard.

“In the last 12 months, it’s finally clicking with him and he’s reaping the rewards. Then when he gets the ball, we want that X factor from him that we saw over in New Zealand.”