Wilson returns for Bulls matchup

Ryan Wilson returns to the Glasgow Warriors starting XV for the potentially pivotal United Rugby Championship meeting with the Vodacom Bulls, leading his side from the back-row at Loftus Versfeld in Round 17 of the competition.

The captain’s inclusion is one of seven changes to the team that ran out in Cape Town last weekend, with the Warriors knowing that a win of any kind will secure them a place in the URC knockout stages.

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Two of the seven changes come in the front row, as Jamie Bhatti and George Turner come into the starting lineup to join Zander Fagerson to form an all-Scotland combination up front.

Rob Harley is similarly promoted from the replacements to start at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow, the club’s all-time record holder for appearances pairing up with Richie Gray in the second row.

Wilson’s inclusion is the only further alteration to the pack, coming into a back-row completed by openside Rory Darge and last weekend’s try-scorer Jack Dempsey.

Behind the scrum, Ali Price continues at scrum-half, with Duncan Weir joining his fellow Scotland international in the half-backs.

Stafford McDowall is the only other player to come into the starting XV having completely missed out on the clash with the DHL Stormers, as he starts at inside centre alongside Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield.

Cole Forbes replaces the injured Kyle Steyn on the wing, with the back three completed by the duo of Josh McKay and Ollie Smith.

The replacements see Fraser Brown join McDowall and Wilson in coming into the matchday 23 having missed out last weekend, as the club co-captain joins Simon Berghan and Oli Kebble as the front-row cover.

Kiran McDonald rotates to the bench after starting last time out, whilst Thomas Gordon continues in the number 20 jersey.

Jamie Dobie is another to retain his place amongst the replacements, with fellow international half-back Ross Thompson joining him on the bench.

The squad is rounded out by Sam Johnson, the Scotland centre covering the outside backs in the number 23 jersey.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “After a physical encounter with the Stormers last weekend, we’re looking forward to another challenging test against the Bulls tomorrow night.

“We’re pleased to welcome back the experience of club co-captains Ryan Wilson and Fraser Brown.

“The Bulls are a physical side who have been very good at home and we’ll need to be at our best when we take them on tomorrow night in Pretoria.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, Friday 29 April, kick-off 6pm (UK time), live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Jamie Bhatti (63)
2. George Turner (73)
3. Zander Fagerson (111)
4. Rob Harley (263)
5. Richie Gray (79)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (209)
7. Rory Darge (19)
8. Jack Dempsey (18)

9. Ali Price (107)
10. Duncan Weir (123)
11. Cole Forbes (22)
12. Stafford McDowall (36)
13. Sione Tuipulotu (16)
14. Josh McKay (11)
15. Ollie Smith (16)

16. Fraser Brown (121)
17. Oli Kebble (74)
18. Simon Berghan (9)
19. Kiran McDonald (51)
20. Thomas Gordon (49)
21. Jamie Dobie (34)
22. Ross Thompson (33)
23. Sam Johnson (89)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, George Horne, Rufus McLean, Kyle Steyn.