Rugby-Howley backs North to point Wales in right direction

CARDIFF, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Wales are looking to the return of George North to their backline to spur Six Nations success when they take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The winger is fit again after missing the home loss to England a fortnight ago and coach Rob Howley is banking on him to help return Wales to winning ways.

"He's just missed out against England and for me he's a player that gets supporters off seats," Howley told a press conference on Thursday.

"(Wales assistant coach) Shaun (Edwards) has said in the week that he's improved immensely in terms of his defence. We want him with the ball in hand as often as possible.

"His try against Scotland 12 months ago sums up how he can change games. Our back three is up against a strong Scottish back three. It'll be a good contest within a contest."

North is the only change from the team beaten 21-16 by England at Cardiff on Feb. 11 after Howley resisted the temptation to freshen up his selection.

"It was a welcome headache, picking from strength," he said. "Ross Moriarty was outstanding against England and deserves to start. It shows the strength in depth we've got.

"Scotland's back row is one of their strengths and we feel this is the right back row to start the game."

Wales opened their campaign in this year's tournament with a comprehensive 33-7 win in Italy before the setback against the English.

"We came under intense pressure against England and we were able to rebuff that," added captain Alun Wyn Jones.

"We expect the same against Scotland. You've seen the willingness they have to use the ball. We've got to expect the unexpected." (Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Neville Dalton)