Steyn returns for Glasgow ahead of Stormers clash
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Club captain Kyle Steyn will return to the Glasgow Warriors starting XV this weekend, after the winger was selected to lead his team in tomorrow night’s BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final clash with the DHL Stormers at Scotstoun.
The skipper is one of five changes to the starting lineup that ran out against Zebre Parma last weekend, whilst George Turner is in line to become the club’s 57th centurion after being named amongst the replacements for tomorrow night’s showdown.
An unchanged front-row sees Johnny Matthews pack down between Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson, the former having touched down for his first try in over 900 days in last weekend’s bonus-point victory.
Scott Cummings comes in to start alongside Richie Gray in the engine room, having been introduced off the bench inside the opening quarter last weekend.
Rory Darge continues at openside after a Player of the Match-winning display last weekend, as Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey make it an all-international starting pack for Franco Smith’s side tomorrow night.
Behind the scrum, George Horne and Tom Jordan are both promoted from the replacements bench to start, with both men having made an impact when coming on last weekend.
The midfield combination is unchanged, meaning the tandem of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones is once again given the nod by Smith and his coaching team.
Josh McKay returns to the starting XV after being rested last weekend, the McCrea Financial Services Player of the Season joining Steyn and Argentinian international Sebastian Cancelliere in a back-three packed with pace.
Turner returns to a Glasgow Warriors matchday 23 for the first time since January after recovering from a foot injury picked up while on Scotland duty during the Guinness Six Nations, the hooker set to make his 100th appearance for the club when called upon tomorrow night.
Nathan McBeth and Oli Kebble – himself a recent centurion – join Turner as the front-row cover, whilst Max Williamson rotates to the bench after starting the win over Zebre Parma last weekend.
Euan Ferrie retains the number 20 jersey after an impressive cameo off the bench last time out, whilst Henco Venter returns to the matchday 23 as part of a six-two split of forwards and backs.
Jamie Dobie and Ross Thompson cover the back-line, the latter set to make his 50th appearance for the club this weekend.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “The Stormers have a proud record in the URC playoffs, and we know they will be coming to Scotstoun intent on continuing that record tomorrow night.
“They have some brilliant individuals who have the ability to hurt you from anywhere on the field, in addition to being a physical unit with and without the ball.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge and we know the Warrior Nation will make themselves known as they get behind us tomorrow night.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face DHL Stormers at Scotstoun, Saturday 8 June, kick-off 7.35pm. Tickets are still available for the match at glasgowwarriors.org – click here.
1 Jamie Bhatti (103)
2 Johnny Matthews (70)
3 Zander Fagerson (146)
4 Scott Cummings (123)
5 Richie Gray (112)
6 Matt Fagerson (108)
7 Rory Darge (45)
8 Jack Dempsey (47)
9 George Horne (116)
10 Tom Jordan (47)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (74)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (52)
13 Huw Jones (68)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (35)
15 Josh McKay (46)
Replacements
16 George Turner (99)
17 Nathan McBeth (40)
18 Oli Kebble (102)
19 Max Williamson (17)
20 Euan Ferrie (18)
21 Henco Venter (18)
22 Jamie Dobie (65)
23 Ross Thompson (49)
Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), JP du Preez (knee), Stafford McDowall (hand), Ally Miller (calf), Alex Samuel (head), Ollie Smith (knee), Lucio Sordoni (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee).
