WALES scrum-half Rhys Webb has described the absence of Gloucester captain Greig Laidlaw from Scotland's remaining RBS 6 Nations games as "a massive loss."

Webb would have been in direct opposition to the Scotland skipper and number nine at Murrayfield on Saturday, but an ankle ligament injury suffered against France 10 days ago ended Laidlaw's tournament.

While Scotland will be in upbeat mood following a superb victory over Ireland and narrow loss to France, Laidlaw has undoubtedly left a considerable void through his all-round game and prodigious goalkicking.

"Them losing Greig is a massive loss - as a leader and as a kicker as well," said Webb, who lines up in a Wales team showing one change following the defeat against England last time out, with fit-again wing George North replacing Alex Cuthbert.

"His accuracy off the tee is pretty impressive, so whoever replaces him will be putting in a lot of practice this week."

Ali Price looks set to take over from Laidlaw, and Webb added: "He has been playing in the Glasgow team which has been full of confidence last season and this season.

"He has a good understanding with Finn Russell at nine and 10, so he is likely to start.

"They have got lots of attacking threats, so they will want to play some rugby as well, especially with Finn Russell at 10. He has been pulling the strings for Glasgow, and Stuart Hogg has been carving it up for the last two games."