George North and Richard Hibbard have returned to the Wales starting lineup for Friday's Six Nations opener against England in Cardiff.

The duo are the only changes that coach Warren Gatland has made following the team's victory over South Africa last time out.

Captain Sam Warburton will earn his 50th international cap, while Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Jamie Roberts and Alun Wyn Jones all feature.

Gatland has named his side 48 hours before schedule, but the coach believes that it will give his players a good chance to prepare for the game at the Millennium Stadium.

"We decided to name the team early to give the players the best possible chance of preparation," he told the Welsh Rugby Union's official website.

"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."

Wales team to face England:

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North (Northampton Saints), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Liam Williams (Scarlets)