Seven changes for Glasgow

A Glasgow Warriors side showing seven changes will take to the field for tomorrow night’s Plaster It Purple clash with the Emirates Lions, as Franco Smith’s squad continue their pursuit of the BKT United Rugby Championship playoff berth.

The match will see the club come together with the aim of raising as much money as possible for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, with club sponsors, Leidos, pledging £7,500 to the club’s fundraising total ahead of kick-off

An all-new front-row sees Grant Stewart pack down between Nathan McBeth and Sam Talakai, the latter duo having made an impact off the bench last weekend.

There’s also a new combination in the engine room, as Gregor Brown – fresh from signing a new contract earlier this week – partners JP du Preez, who starts a match for the first time since returning from his long-term injury layoff.

The back-row is unchanged, meaning that Sione Vailanu retains his place on the openside flank after an impressive return from injury last Friday in a trio completed by Euan Ferrie and Jack Mann.

George Horne continues at scrum-half as he chases the try that would put him clear at the top of the club’s all-time try-scoring charts, with Adam Hastings alongside him in the half-backs.

Tom Jordan returns from an impressive Guinness Six Nations campaign to start at inside-centre, fellow Scotland international Stafford McDowall shifting to the 13 jersey to accommodate Jordan’s inclusion.

Jamie Dobie is the only change to the back-three as he comes in on the wing for Sebastian Cancelliere, as captain Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe complete the starting XV.

Scotland and British and Irish Lions props Rory Sutherland and Zander Fagerson await their opportunity after being named amongst the replacements, with Johnny Matthews rotating to the bench to complete the front-row cover.

Rory Darge joins Sutherland and Fagerson in returning from international duty for tomorrow night’s clash, whilst Alex Samuel and Henco Venter complete a six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements.

Cancelliere is another to rotate to the bench after a Player of the Match-winning display last weekend, as Ben Afshar rounds out the matchday 23.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know that another stern test awaits us tomorrow night, as we look to back up a hard-earned result last weekend.

“The Lions play a brand of rugby unlike any other in the competition, with a highly physical forward pack complementing a backline that has the potential to cause problems from anywhere on the field.

“We look forward to facing that challenge with the Warrior Nation behind us, as we also throw our support behind Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity on Plaster It Purple night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face the Emirates Lions at Scotstoun, Saturday 29 March, kick-off 7.35pm. Tickets are still available for our Plaster It Purple fixture – click here.

1 Nathan McBeth (50)
2 Grant Stewart (57)
3 Sam Talakai (14)
4 Gregor Brown (31)
5 JP du Preez (27)
6 Euan Ferrie (30)
7 Sione Vailanu (29)
8 Jack Mann (11)

9 George Horne (131)
10 Adam Hastings (61)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (83)
12 Tom Jordan (62)
13 Stafford McDowall (85)
14 Jamie Dobie (80)
15 Kyle Rowe (29)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (89)
17 Rory Sutherland (10)
18 Zander Fagerson (160)
19 Alex Samuel (31)
20 Henco Venter (32)
21 Rory Darge (58)
22 Ben Afshar (17)
23 Sebastian Cancelliere (52)

Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Jack Dempsey (hamstring), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle), Huw Jones (ankle), Josh McKay (ankle), Ollie Smith (shoulder), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Duncan Weir (shoulder), Max Williamson (hand).