Seven changes for Ospreys clash

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson has made seven alterations to his starting XV from last weekend’s victory over Zebre, as his side prepares to welcome Conference A rivals Ospreys to Scotstoun tomorrow night.

Amongst the
changes is a first start for James Scott, with the on-loan second-rower named
as part of an experienced forward pack by Wilson.

Aki Seiuli
returns to the matchday 23 to start at loose-head prop, joining Grant Stewart
and Enrique Pieretto in an otherwise unchanged front row.

Leone Nakarawa
partners Scott in the engine room, after coming off the bench less than five
minutes into last weekend’s win in Parma.

The
inclusion of Nakarawa sees Rob Harley revert to the blindside, as last
weekend’s Player of the Match Thomas Gordon and captain Ryan Wilson complete
the back-row.

Sean Kennedy
is promoted from the bench to make his first start since December’s meeting
with the Dragons, with the Alloa native partnering fly-half Ross Thompson in
the half-backs.

An all-new
midfield partnership sees Robbie Fergusson come back into the matchday 23 a
week after being named in the Team GB 7s training squad ahead of this summer’s
Olympic Games, whilst Nick Grigg is rewarded for an impressive outing off the
bench last weekend by being named at outside centre.

Lee Jones
starts on the wing in place of the injured Cole Forbes, with Rufus McLean –
called into the senior Scotland squad for the first time this week – and Ollie
Smith retaining their places in the back-three once more.

There could
be home debuts for Dylan Evans and Ian Keatley should they be called upon from
the replacements bench tomorrow night, the latter having made his first
appearance for the Warriors in Parma last weekend.

Johnny
Matthews and D’arcy Rae join Evans as the front-row replacements, with Matthews
having been pressed into service in the back-row against Zebre.

Kiran
McDonald is in line for his first appearance for the club in three months after
being named on the bench, as Samoan international TJ Ioane returns to the
matchday squad to wear the number 20 jersey.

Jamie Dobie
is released from Scotland camp to take his place amongst the replacements,
whilst Ratu Tagive rounds out the matchday 23 after being selected for the
first time since Ulster’s visit to Scotstoun last month.

Speaking about
his selection, Head Coach Wilson said: “Last weekend we created a lot in attack and looked dangerous throughout the game – we will need more of the same this weekend against Ospreys.

“We have lost a few boys to injury and international duty, however lots of boys have put their hand up for selection in training this week and have named a strong side.

“Nick [Grigg] has earned his start after his performance off the bench last weekend and we’re looking for him to bring that same energy and enthusiasm on Friday night.

“Ospreys also have players away on international duty. They’ve had a good season and they are the team for us to chase.”

Meanwhile,
the club can confirm that Chris Fusaro has undergone surgery on a knee injury
and is expected to be out for the remainder of the season.

Flanker
Gregor Brown has also been ruled out due to a knee injury sustained against
Zebre and is likewise expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Glasgow
Warriors team to face Ospreys in the Guinness PRO14, Friday 12 March, kick-off 8pm,
live on Premier Sports 1. You can follow the action in our Live Match Centre at
glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Aki
Seiuli (24)
2. Grant Stewart (42)
3. Enrique Pieretto (12)
4. James Scott (2)
5. Leone Nakarawa (76)
6. Rob Harley (244)
7. Thomas Gordon (30)
8. Ryan Wilson (C) (184)

9. Sean
Kennedy (15)
10. Ross Thompson (5)
11. Lee Jones (87)
12. Robbie Fergusson (9)
13. Nick Grigg (82)
14. Rufus McLean (4)
15. Ollie Smith (3)

16. Johnny
Matthews (10)
17. Dylan Evans (2)
18. D’arcy Rae (81)
19. Kiran McDonald (30)
20. TJ Ioane (10)
21. Jamie Dobie (17)
22. Ian Keatley (1)
23. Ratu Tagive (21)

Unavailable
for selection: Alex
Allan (foot), Hamish Bain (shoulder), Fraser Brown (neck), Gregor Brown (knee),
Cole Forbes (ankle), Chris Fusaro (knee), Adam Hastings
(suspended), George Horne (foot), Paddy Kelly (calf), Stafford McDowall (calf),
Tommy Seymour (head), Kyle Steyn (leg), Zander Fagerson (suspended).

International
duty: Scott
Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Sam Johnson, Huw Jones, Oli Kebble, Ali Price, George
Turner.