Flockhart to make first start for Glasgow Warriors

Bruce Flockhart will make his first Glasgow Warriors start in Saturday night’s clash with Cardiff Blues, lining up at blindside flanker in a team showing four changes from last weekend’s defeat to Scarlets.

The 22-year-old from Inverness made four appearances as a replacement last season – his debut campaign as a professional – before coming off the bench against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein a fortnight ago.

Flockhart packs down in a back-row containing club co-captain Callum Gibbins and Matt Fagerson, who recently celebrated his 50^th appearance for the club by signing a two-year contract extension.

Head Coach Dave Rennie has also elected to make two change to his side’s front-row, with Adam Nicol and Alex Allan coming in to the starting XV in place of Oli Kebble and D’arcy Rae respectively.

Grant Stewart continues at hooker, with Rob Harley moving into the second-row to partner Kiran McDonald.

The only alteration behind the scrum comes in midfield, as the returning Nick Grigg lines up outside Stafford McDowall in the centres.

Nick Frisby and Brandon Thomson continue as the half-backs for a third successive match, whilst an unchanged back three sees Ruaridh Jackson start at full-back with Rory Hughes and Kyle Steyn on the wings.

Scotland U20 prop George Thornton could make his competitive Glasgow Warriors debut as a replacement on Saturday night, as the summer arrival from Wasps comes into the match day 23 for the first time.

D’arcy Rae, Tim Swinson and Huw Jones all drop to the bench after starting last weekend, whilst Chris Fusaro and Johnny Matthews continue their record of being named in every match day squad so far this season.

Jamie Dobie and Glenn Bryce complete the squad, with the former having made his first competitive appearance at Scotstoun last weekend.

Speaking on his selection, Rennie said: “We’re pretty blessed with our depth in midfield. Even with a few guys away at the Rugby World Cup, we’ve still got Huw Jones, Stafford McDowall, Nick Grigg and Kyle Steyn,
who’s starting on the wing.

“Nick’s a really good defender and someone who’s played a lot of games for us, and he runs great lines with ball in hand. We started him and Huw in Bloemfontein, Huw and Stafford last week and now we’re keen to give
Nick and Stafford a crack together. We expect them to make an impact.

“Our intention was to start Bruce Flockhart last weekend, but he didn’t quite make it. He’s a powerful man, very dominant defensively and a guy who carries well. He spent a lot of last season injured, but we think he’s
got massive potential and hope he shows that tomorrow.

“We were keen to get George [Thornton] back to Scotland, so we’re excited to give him his opportunity tomorrow. His line-out lifting is excellent and
he’s made good shifts around his scrummaging. We’re looking forward to seeing how he goes.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play the Scarlets in the Guinness PRO14, Scotstoun Stadium, Saturday 12 October, kick-off 7.35pm, live on Premier Sports
1. You can follow the game in the Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets:

Alex Allan (92)
Grant Stewart (26)
Adam Nicol (11)
Rob Harley (214)
Kiran McDonald (18)
Bruce Flockhart (5)
Callum Gibbins (C) (36)
Matt Fagerson (50)
Nick Frisby (15)
Brandon Thomson (22)
Rory Hughes (48)
Stafford McDowall (14)
Nick Grigg (57)
Kyle Steyn (12)
Ruaridh Jackson (153)

Replacements

16. Johnny Matthews (1)
17. George Thornton (0)
18. D’arcy Rae (63)
19. Tim Swinson (129)
20. Chris Fusaro (166)
21. Jamie Dobie (2)
22. Huw Jones (22)
23. Glenn Bryce (21)

Not available due to injury: Andrew Davidson (head), Lee Jones (hamstring), Oli Kebble (head), Ali Price (foot) and
Jale Vakaloloma (shoulder).