Oliver to make first start as Burke in line for debut

Jack Oliver will make his first start for Glasgow Warriors in Johannesburg tomorrow, after being selected at scrum-half in the starting XV to take on the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions in round 15 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

The 22-year-old is one of nine changes to the lineup that ran out against RC Toulon last weekend, as Franco Smith’s men aim to maintain their position a hotly-contested playoff race.

Former Scotland U20 second-rower Ryan Burke could also make his senior professional debut at Ellis Park tomorrow afternoon, after the Glasgow Warriors academy prospect was selected amongst the replacements for the first of two back-to-back fixtures on South African soil.

An all-new front-row sees Seb Stephen line up at hooker, with Rory Sutherland and Fin Richardson packing down alongside the Garioch RFC product.

Jare Oguntibeju and Alex Samuel continue their partnership in the second-row, the latter having made all 19 of his attempted tackles in an all-action performance against Toulon last time out.

Jack Dempsey continues at number eight, whilst Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu come into the back-row to join the Scotland star in the loose-forward trio.

Oliver partners Dan Lancaster in the half-backs, the fly-half lining up for his third successive start in the number 10 jersey.

Stafford McDowall shifts to inside centre as he assumes the captaincy from the rested Kyle Steyn, as Huw Jones comes into the midfield to line up at outside centre.

The back-three sees Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay – both try-scorers on the club’s last visit to Johannesburg – joined by Fergus Watson, who comes into the starting lineup after impressing on his senior debut against Benetton last month.

Burke forms part of a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench, the second-rower joined by fellow academy prospect Dylan Cockburn amongst the options available to Smith and his coaching team.

Nathan McBeth returns from an injury layoff to join Gregor Hiddleston and Zander Fagerson as the front-row cover, whilst Angus Fraser covers the back-row as he wears the number 21 shirt.

The back-line is covered by Ben Afshar and Sione Tuipulotu, with both men rotating to the replacements after starting against Toulon last Saturday.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “The Lions pose one of the toughest away tests in the BKT URC, defending a strong home record as they chase a place in the playoffs.

“Their brand of rugby can cause problems for any team, with a blend of physical forwards and backs that can run the ball from anywhere on the field.

“It is a test that we have prepared for in training this week, and one that we know we must be at our best to meet.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Fidelity SecureDrive Lions at Ellis Park, Saturday 18 April, kick-off 3pm UK. Follow all the action live on Premier Sports, or in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Rory Sutherland (22)
2 Seb Stephen (16)
3 Fin Richardson (14)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (19)
5 Alex Samuel (52)
6 Euan Ferrie (54)
7 Sione Vailanu (39)
8 Jack Dempsey (65)

9 Jack Oliver (5)
10 Dan Lancaster (18)
11 Fergus Watson (1)
12 Stafford McDowall (C) (112)
13 Huw Jones (85)
14 Kyle Rowe (48)
15 Josh McKay (77)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (43)
17 Nathan McBeth (66)
18 Zander Fagerson (171)
19 Dylan Cockburn (1)
20 Ryan Burke (0)
21 Angus Fraser (29)
22 Ben Afshar (36)
23 Sione Tuipulotu (82)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (hamstring), Alex Craig (foot), Scott Cummings (calf), Jamie Dobie (shoulder), Matt Fagerson (hamstring), George Horne (ankle), Charlie Savala (knee), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Max Williamson (knee).