Cancelliere to make Glasgow debut

Summer signing Sebastian Cancelliere will make his Glasgow Warriors debut tomorrow afternoon, after the Argentinian international was selected on the wing for tomorrow’s clash with Zebre Parma.

The 28-year-old comes into the starting XV having recently returned to Scotstoun following the conclusion of the Rugby Championship, and is one of six changes made by Head Coach Danny Wilson after last weekend’s victory over the Emirates Lions at Scotstoun.

Two of those changes come in the front-row, as Oli Kebble makes his return from injury to join Johnny Matthews – who is promoted from the bench – and Jamie Bhatti at the coal face.

An unchanged second-row sees Lewis Bean and Richie Gray continue their partnership, the latter having stolen at least one lineout in each of Glasgow’s three URC matches to date.

Ally Miller makes his first start for the club after making his debut against the Cell C Sharks a fortnight ago, linking up with Rory Darge and captain Ryan Wilson in the back-row.

Duncan Weir makes his first start since the season opener in Belfast, joining George Horne in the half-backs after both men return to the starting XV.

An all-new centre partnership sees Sione Tuipulotu start at inside centre, with Nick Grigg continuing alongside him at outside centre.

Cancelliere’s inclusion is the only alteration to the back-three, as Rufus McLean and Cole Forbes – both in the top five for metres made in the competition to date – complete the line-up.

Another of Glasgow’s Argentinian contingent is in line for a first appearance of the season tomorrow afternoon, as Enrique Pieretto is named amongst the replacements after returning to Scotstoun last week.

Fraser Brown rotates to the bench after starting last time out, with Brad Thyer continuing to provide cover at loose-head.

Rob Harley wears the number 19 jersey, as Thomas Gordon returns to the matchday 23 after missing last weekend’s victory.

Ross Thompson and Stafford McDowall cover the outside backs, the former currently leading the league in kicking accuracy.

The matchday squad is completed by Sean Kennedy, with the scrum-half in line for a first appearance of the campaign and his first outing for Glasgow since March.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “Last weekend we played some good rugby against the Lions and we created a lot of opportunities. Tomorrow, we want to convert those opportunities against Zebre.

“In Parma, we get the first chance to look at Sebastian [Cancelierre] and a new centre partnership of Sione [Tuipulotu] and Nick [Grigg].

“We’re also looking forward welcoming Oli Kebble back into the fold, he’s a strong powerful prop who we’re expecting to make an impact in our set piece.

“Zebre at home are a formidable side and we cannot afford to underestimate them. They’ve got dangerous players in attack that can hurt you from anywhere.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge they’re going to bring.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Saturday 16 October, kick-off 1pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow the match in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Jamie Bhatti (50)
2. Johnny Matthews (14)
3. Oli Kebble (58)
4. Lewis Bean (8)
5. Richie Gray (64)
6. Ally Miller (1)
7. Rory Darge (6)
8. Ryan Wilson (C) (195)

9. George Horne (69)
10. Duncan Weir (109)
11. Rufus McLean (12)
12. Sione Tuipulotu (3)
13. Nick Grigg (92)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (0)
15. Cole Forbes (9)

16. Fraser Brown (112)
17. Brad Thyer (3)
18. Enrique Pieretto (20)
19. Rob Harley (253)
20. Thomas Gordon (38)
21. Sean Kennedy (17)
22. Ross Thompson (17)
23. Stafford McDowall (29)

Unavailable for selection: Hamish Bain, Simon Berghan, Scott Cummings, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Tom Lambert, Kiran McDonald, Ewan McQuillin, Ali Price, Ratu Tagive, George Turner.