Cancelliere returns for Sharks showdown

Sebastian Cancelliere will make his return from injury for Glasgow Warriors in Durban this weekend, after the Argentinian was selected in the starting XV to take on the Hollywoodbets Sharks tomorrow afternoon.

The winger is one of eight changes from the team that earned a bonus-point win over Zebre Parma last weekend to go second in the BKT United Rugby Championship, as Franco Smith’s squad kick off their South African double-header against the reigning EPCR Challenge Cup champions.

Nathan McBeth and Gregor Hiddleston come into the starting front-row, joining Zander Fagerson at the coal face for tomorrow’s clash.

Scott Cummings retains his place in the second-row, as Max Williamson comes into the starting lineup to partner his fellow Scotland international.

Matt Fagerson returns to the back-row in the only alteration to the trio that started against Zebre Parma, meaning Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey continue at openside and number eight respectively.

Behind the scrum, Tom Jordan starts at fly-half, the former Ayrshire Bull partnering George Horne in the half-backs for the trip to Durban.

Sione Tuipulotu comes in to lead the team from inside centre, with last weekend’s captain, Stafford McDowall, shifting to the 13 jersey to accommodate his return.

The returning Cancelliere joins Kyle Rowe on the wings, as Josh McKay completes the starting XV by starting at full-back.

An all-international front-row awaits their opportunity when called upon tomorrow afternoon, as Johnny Matthews is joined by summer arrivals Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai amongst the replacements.

Alex Samuel and Henco Venter retain their places in the matchday 23 after coming off the bench last weekend, with Gregor Brown rotating to the replacements in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

The matchday squad is rounded out by Jamie Dobie and Adam Hastings, the latter set for his first South African clash in a Glasgow jersey since the 2018/19 campaign.

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Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “To play a Sharks side containing 12 Springboks coming off a Rugby Championship win is a daunting task, and one that will be a big opportunity for us to measure ourselves against.

“The levels of experience in the Sharks squad are near-unmatched in the URC and is a hallmark of the quality they have available.”

“It’s a chance to test ourselves against the world’s best at one of the toughest venues in the competition.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Hollywoodbets Sharks at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Saturday 19 October, kick-off 2.45pm (UK time). You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (45)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (12)
3 Zander Fagerson (152)
4 Max Williamson (23)
5 Scott Cummings (129)
6 Matt Fagerson (115)
7 Rory Darge (51)
8 Jack Dempsey (52)

9 George Horne (121)
10 Tom Jordan (53)
11 Kyle Rowe (20)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (58)
13 Stafford McDowall (80)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (40)
15 Josh McKay (52)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (77)
17 Rory Sutherland (2)
18 Sam Talakai (3)
19 Alex Samuel (19)
20 Gregor Brown (24)
21 Henco Venter (23)
22 Jamie Dobie (72)
23 Adam Hastings (56)

Unavailable for selection: JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck).

Referee: Chris Busby
Assistant: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant: Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Andrew Brace