George North is racing the clock for the second Test © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: George North | Scott Williams

Tournaments/Tours: Wales tour

Teams: Australia | Wales

George North and Scott Williams are expected to train with their Wales team-mates on Thursday ahead of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne.

Wales must win on Saturday to keep the three-match series alive following their 27-19 loss in Brisbane. North suffered a dead leg in the defeat, while his Scarlets team-mate Williams weas helped from the field with a facial injury.

Caretaker coach Rob Howley is confident they will now be able to train fully in the next session and be available for selection this weekend.

"Both players trained light on Tuesday morning and we are hoping they will both be able to train fully on Thursday. We have a day off on Wednesday as it is a travel day," said Howley. "Touch wood they will both be available for selection for Saturday."

Howley was forced to send on his Brisbane try-scorer, Alex Cuthbert, when Aled Brew injured his hip in Tuesday evening's 25-15 win over Brumbies. Cuthbert was himself taken off as a precaution in the second half when he went down in a heavy tackle.

"We were cautions sending Alex on. He's obviously gone down and it is nothing untoward really and I think he will be fine for selection for the weekend," admitted a relieved Howley.