Wales have made two changes from the team that defeated the Springboks in November for their Six Nations opener against England in Cardiff on Friday.

Wing George North and hooker Richard Hibbard both missed out through injury against the Boks, but have been restored to the starting lineup by coach Warren Gatland.

Liam Williams and Scott Baldwin are the two to make way, dropping down to the bench for the match in Cardiff.

'It was a tough call on the two changes we have made from the side that beat South Africa, but it's good to have these and other tough selection decisions and it's a strong position to be in,' said Gatland. 'We are excited about kicking the tournament off on Friday against a strong England side in front of a packed Millennium Stadium.'

Captain Sam Warburton will win his 50th cap when he leads out a Welsh side boasting a good mix between youth and experience.

Wales have a good recent record against the English at the Millennium Stadium, having won five of their last six meetings in Cardiff.

Wales – 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wynn-Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Gethen Jenkins.
Subs: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 James, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Liam Williams.

Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP Photo