Scarlets winger Johnny McNicholl will win his first cap for Wales in their Six Nations opener against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday.
McNicholl's in a back-three with Josh Adams and Leigh Halfpenny while Dan Biggar will be partnered by Tomos Williams in the half-backs at the Principality Stadium.
Number-eight Taulupe Faletau will make his first international appearance for the defending champions since March 2018.
Saracens centre Nick Tompkins could make his debut from the bench.
“I’m really happy with the side and really looking forward to this weekend,” new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac told Welsh Rugby's official website.
“It is great for Johnny McNicholl to get his first cap, I thought he played really well against the Barbarians so it is a great opportunity for him this weekend.
“George has had a number of games in the midfield for Wales and more recently for the Ospreys and he has been running there in training. We have been impressed with him there and he is excited by the opportunity.
“Nick (Tompkins) has trained really well and has impressed and we are looking forward to seeing him at some stage during the game.
“We’ve had a couple of injuries, Josh Navidi picked up a hamstring injury so he is out for a few weeks, while Liam Williams, Owen Watkin, Gareth Davies and Elliot Dee weren’t quite ready to be available for selection.
“The whole team has a great vibe and we are looking forward to getting out there in front of our home supporters on Saturday.”
Wales v Italy: Leigh Halfpenny; Johnny McNicholl, George North, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Dillon Lewis, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rob Evans, Leon Brown, Cory Hill, Ross Moriarty, Rhys Webb, Jarrod Evans, Nick Tompkins.
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