Co-captains return for Champions Cup opener

Callum Gibbins and Ryan Wilson both return to the Glasgow Warriors starting XV for their Heineken Champions Cup opener against Saracens at Scostoun this Sunday (kick-off 3.15pm, live on BT Sport).

Neither co-captain featured in last weekend’s 36-8 victory over Zebre and return refreshed for the visit of the reigning English Premiership champions.

Matt Fagerson retains his spot at Number 8 and Rob Harley also comes back into the starting line-up, joining Jonny Gray in the second-row.

Oli Kebble and D’Arcy Rae pack down either side of Fraser Brown completing the pack.

Ali Price partners Adam Hastings at half-back, the 22-year-old fly-half was awarded the McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month award last week following a hugely impressive start to the season.

Huw Jones was named Man of the Match against Zebre scoring an early try and is once again partnered with Alex Dunbar in midfield.

DTH van der Merwe will be looking to add to his 50 Glasgow Warriors tries as he is brought back into the starting XV. Lee Jones and Ruaridh Jackson join him in the back-three.

On the bench new signing Petrus du Plessis is in line to make his Glasgow debut against his former club.

Centurions Chris Fusaro and Pete Horne will look to bring some crucial experience to the game from the bench.

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “Saracens are a very big side, strong up front with massive ball carriers and defensively they bring a lot of line-speed.

“Their ability to play off their big men means they’re going to ask a lot of questions of us, which is exciting for us.

“We want to be playing at this level against the best sides in Europe and certainly Saracens are one of the best.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup at Scotstoun Stadium, Sunday 14 October, kick off 3.15pm – live on BT Sport 2. You can follow the game on Twitter @GlasgowWarriors. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets:

1. Oli Kebble (14)
2. Fraser Brown (80)
3. D’Arcy Rae (45)
4. Rob Harley (189)
5. Jonny Gray (91)
6. Ryan Wilson (144) (CC)
7. Callum Gibbins (20) (CC)
8. Matt Fagerson (30)

9. Ali Price (61)
10. Adam Hastings (15)
11. DTH van der Merwe (105)
12. Alex Dunbar (116)
13. Huw Jones (11)
14. Lee Jones (78)
15. Ruaridh Jackson (140)

Replacements

16. George Turner (25)
17. Alex Allan (79)
18. Petrus du Plessis (0)
19. Greg Peterson (31)
20. Chris Fusaro (147)
21. George Horne (25)
22. Pete Horne (143)
23. Rory Hughes (35)

Not available due to injury: Brian Alainu’uese (back), Scott Cummings (ankle), Zander Fagerson (ankle), Siua Halanukanuka (foot), Stuart Hogg (ankle), Paddy Kelly (calf), Lelia Masaga (hip), Kiran McDonald (hand) and Tim Swinson (lower limb).