WALES have sprung a surprise by naming their team to face England early – but there are no shocks in Warren Gatland’s XV.

The head coach has made two changes to the side that beat South Africa last autumn with George North returning on the wing in place of Liam Williams and hooker Richard Hibbard replacing Scott Baldwin.

North missed the 12-6 win against the Springboks through injury while Hibbard was unavailable as he plays for Gloucester and the fixture was outside World Rugby Test window.

"We decided to name the team early to give the players the best possible chance of preparation”, said Gatland.

"It was a tough call on the two changes we have made from the side that beat South Africa, but its good to have these and other tough selection decisions and it's a strong position to be in.

"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 at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales: L Halfpenny, A Cuhtbert, J Davies, J Roberts, G North, D Biggar, R Webb, G Jenkins, R Hibbard, S Lee, J Ball, A W Jones, D Lydiate, S Warburton, T Faletau. Replacements: S Baldwin, P James, A Jarvis, L Charteris, J Tipuric, M Phillips, R Priestland, L Williams.