Cummings to reach century in Dragons clash

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Glasgow's Scott Cummings during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Ulster at Scotstoun Stadium, on February 17, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

A starting lineup showing nine changes from last weekend’s famous win away to Munster will take to the field tomorrow evening, with six of Scotland’s standout performers from the Guinness Six Nations returning to action at Scotstoun.

An all-new front-row sees Allan Dell make his European debut for the Warriors, the Scotland prop joining Johnny Matthews and Lucio Sordoni in being promoted from last weekend’s replacements.

Richie Gray returns from a rib injury sustained in Scotland’s meeting with Ireland at BT Murrayfield, the recently re-signed second-rower partnering new centurion Cummings in the engine room.

Jack Dempsey replaces Matt Fagerson in the only alteration to the back-row, with Rory Darge and Sione Vailanu shifting to blindside and openside respectively to accommodate the returning Scotland international.

George Horne comes into the starting XV at scrum-half, partnering Domingo Miotti in the half-backs after the Argentinian’s impressive display at Thomond Park last time out.

Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones resume their partnership in the midfield, the centre duo having been named in the Guinness Six Nations Team of the Tournament following a series of outstanding performances for Scotland.

Club captain Kyle Steyn returns to lead the team from the wing, with Cole Forbes and Ollie Smith retaining their places in an otherwise unchanged back three.

Two further returning Scotland internationals await on the bench, as George Turner and Simon Berghan come into the matchday 23 to join Nathan McBeth as the front-row cover.

JP du Preez rotates to the bench after starting last time out, Lewis Bean wearing the number 20 jersey in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

Jamie Dobie and Tom Jordan cover the backs, the former having deputised superbly on the wing in Limerick last Saturday.

The replacements are rounded out by Ryan Wilson, with the back-rower in line for his first outing since December’s victory away to Bath after recovering from a knee injury.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “While we are pleased to have earned our win against Munster, we also know that there are still areas in our game in which we can improve.

“The squad has trained hard and trained well this week, and we’re prepared for the test that the Dragons will bring tomorrow.

“Playing in front of our home supporters means a lot to this squad, and we’re fully focused and ready for tomorrow’s match.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face the Dragons at Scotstoun, Saturday 1 April, kick-off 5.30pm. Tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Allan Dell (3)
2 Johnny Matthews (43)
3 Lucio Sordoni (13)
4 Scott Cummings (99)
5 Richie Gray (95)
6 Rory Darge (25)
7 Sione Vailanu (14)
8 Jack Dempsey (33)

9 George Horne (93)
10 Domingo Miotti (16)
11 Cole Forbes (35)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (31)
13 Huw Jones (53)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (59)
15 Ollie Smith (28)

Replacements

16 George Turner (88)
17 Nathan McBeth (18)
18 Simon Berghan (27)
19 JP du Preez (18)
20 Lewis Bean (34)
21 Ryan Wilson (219)
22 Jamie Dobie (47)
23 Tom Jordan (18)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (knee), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Thomas Gordon (hip), Sintu Manjezi (knee), Jack Mann (head), Josh McKay (foot), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Ross Thompson (foot).