ROB Howley has backed Wales' "quality players" to produce the perfect response at Murrayfield to their Six Nations shocker against England.

Head coach Warren Gatland resisted the temptation to wield the axe for tomorrow afternoon's clash in Scotland, sticking largely with the squad that spluttered when losing 21-16 to the English at the Millennium Stadium.

Wing George North and tighthead Samson Lee miss out after suffering blows to the head but the rest of the team have been given a shot at redemption.

"There is always pressure on selection," Howley added. "You back your players, you trust your players. They are quality players.

"We've been here before as players and coaches, and the one thing about our players is that they have always reacted to what has been said over the last six days.

"We lost to England in 2011 at the Millennium Stadium and then went up to Scotland and played very well. "It's about being effective and being efficient with the ball.

"We know what is likely to come from Scotland, as they are playing in front of their own crowd for the first time in the Six Nations this season. They are confident and on the back of a tough game in France that they could have won.

"We are looking forward to it because we are at our best when our backs are against the wall."

Wales are looking for an eighth win on the spin against the Scots but things won't be as easy as they were last year when a red card to Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg in the first half for a dangerous tackle led to a 51-3 demolition.

"I am sure they (Scotland) will remember the last time they visited the Millennium Stadium.

"It's one thing they will have on their minds. It's one that has focused our minds. I am sure their motivation will be at its highest."