George North will partner Jamie Roberts in midfield © Getty Images

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Rob Howley says Wales are "more than comfortable" with switching wing George North into the centres for next Saturday's autumn opener against Australia.

North will partner Jamie Roberts in midfield at the Millennium Stadium after injuries sidelined centres Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams.

While Davies and Williamsm who are out with shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively, could both be fit for next week's appointment with Fiji, Wales have turned to North in the short-term as they target a first victory over the Wallabies since 2008.

"George has gone there [centre] before, having been selected against France last season and gone there against Australia [last autumn]," Wales assistant coach Howley said. "He is going to be stressed defensively in terms of his decision-making, but we are more than comfortable with George playing in the centre, and having another [British and Irish] Lion in Jamie alongside him will give him confidence.

"It was disappointing to lose both Jon and Scott through injury, but it is important we look after our players and make sure they are 100% fit when they are ready to play. We didn't want to take any risks with Scott or Jon.

"Scott and Jon were close, but with the speed of the game against these southern hemisphere sides, you have to be 100%, particularly in those outside channels.

"It gives an opportunity to George to see another skill-set in him, and hopefully it will be a game where they have plenty of possession. With his pace and guile and ability to beat players we are more than comfortable with that partnership."

In-form Scarlets back Liam Williams will wear the number 11 shirt usually filled by North, while Rhys Webb has edged out Mike Phillips for the scrum-half role, with 87 times-capped Phillips on bench duty.