Glasgow Internationals return for European opener

Glasgow Warriors welcome back seven Scotland internationals into the starting lineup for tomorrow’s Investec Champions Cup opener, as Franco Smith’s men welcome Sale Sharks to Scotstoun to kick off their 2024/25 European campaign.

There are eight changes in total to the team that returned to action in winning fashion against the Scarlets last weekend, with the Warriors looking to hit the ground running in Europe’s premier club competition.

An all-new front-row sees Scotland duo Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson selected as the starting props, Gregor Hiddleston lining up at hooker after coming off the bench in the back-row last weekend.

Jare Oguntibeju is retained in the second-row after an impressive debut in Glasgow colours last time out, with Scott Cummings returning from international duty to pack down alongside the former Scotland U20 man.

Henco Venter shifts to number eight as the only survivor in the back-row from the win over the Scarlets, as Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge both return to action at blindside and openside respectively.

Tom Jordan moves into the number 10 jersey following the injury to Adam Hastings last Friday night, paired with George Horne in the half-backs for tomorrow night’s European opener.

Sione Tuipulotu captains the side from inside centre, the Scotland skipper continuing his partnership with Huw Jones in the Glasgow midfield.

The back-three is unchanged from last weekend’s victory, meaning Kyle Rowe and Sebastian Cancelliere line up on the wings either side of full-back, Josh McKay.

An all-international trio awaits their opportunity from the replacements bench, as Johnny Matthews joins Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover.

Alex Samuel rotates to the bench after playing his first-ever full 80 minutes for Glasgow Warriors in last weekend’s victory, with Ally Miller and Jack Mann – the latter making his first-ever appearance in the Investec Champions Cup – completing a six-two split of forwards and backs.

The back-line is covered by Jamie Dobie and Duncan Weir, the former also returning to Glasgow action for the first time since the conclusion of the Autumn Nations Series.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Being consistent in the Investec Champions Cup is a big objective for this group.

“We look forward to the challenge of competing with the best in Europe – Sale, Toulon, Racing and Harlequins are four quality outfits.

“We know we will need to be at our best tomorrow night, and we look forward to getting our campaign underway.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Sale Sharks at Scotstoun, Saturday 7 December, kick-off 8pm. Tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (109)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (15)
3 Zander Fagerson (154)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (1)
5 Scott Cummings (131)
6 Matt Fagerson (117)
7 Rory Darge (53)
8 Henco Venter (26)

9 George Horne (124)
10 Tom Jordan (56)
11 Kyle Rowe (23)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (60)
13 Huw Jones (74)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (43)
15 Josh McKay (55)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (80)
17 Rory Sutherland (4)
18 Sam Talakai (6)
19 Alex Samuel (21)
20 Ally Miller (30)
21 Jack Mann (2)
22 Jamie Dobie (74)
23 Duncan Weir (153)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).