Dempsey and Jones return as Schickerling set for debut

3 Oct 2024

Two of Glasgow Warriors’ Grand Final-winning starting lineup will make their first appearances of the 2024/25 campaign this weekend, after Jack Dempsey and Huw Jones were both named in the starting XV to take on Cardiff in round three of the BKT United Rugby Championship tomorrow night.

The pair are two of nine changes to the starting lineup for the club’s first visit to the Cardiff Arms Park since 2022, whilst summer signing Patrick Schickerling could make his competitive debut for Glasgow Warriors after being selected amongst the replacements for tomorrow night’s clash.

Another of Glasgow’s summer arrivals will make his first start for Franco Smith’s side in the front-row tomorrow night, as Rory Sutherland – who made his debut off the bench against Benetton last time out – joins Johnny Matthews and Sam Talakai at the coal face.

Alex Samuel comes into the starting lineup for the first time in 2024/25, partnering Scott Cummings in the engine room after the latter’s return from injury last weekend.

Dempsey’s return to action sees Matt Fagerson shift to the openside to accommodate his Scotland team-mate, with another Scotland international completing the back-row in the form of Gregor Brown.

Jamie Dobie starts at scrum-half for the third successive fixture, as Tom Jordan reverts to fly-half after an impressive outing at inside centre against Benetton last weekend.

Jones slots into the starting XV in the number 13 jersey, resuming his partnership with Sione Tuipulotu – who captains the side for the first time this season – in the midfield.

The back-three sees Josh McKay and Kyle Rowe retained after each playing a key role in the 42-10 win over Benetton, with Facundo Cordero coming in for Kyle Steyn on the wing to make his first appearance of the season.

Schickerling’s inclusion in the matchday squad could see the tight-head become the third prop this season to make his Glasgow Warriors debut, the former Exeter Chief having impressed in his pre-season outings for Smith’s men.

Gregor Hiddleston and Jamie Bhatti join Schickerling as the front-row cover, whilst last week’s starting second-rowers – Max Williamson and Richie Gray – both rotate to the bench for tomorrow night’s clash.

Euan Ferrie completes the cohort of six forwards selected amongst the replacements, with the back-line covered by Ben Afshar and Duncan Weir, the latter having been flawless from the tee after coming on at half-time last Friday.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We were pleased to record our first win of the season last weekend, but we know that there are still plenty of areas in which we can improve.

“Cardiff have recruited well during the summer and have started the season strongly, a start they will be keen to continue in front of their home support.

“We also look forward to seeing Patrick pull on the Glasgow jersey for the first time this weekend – he has quickly bought into our environment and has trained well to earn his opportunity.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park, Friday 4 October, kick-off 7.35pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Rory Sutherland (1)
2 Johnny Matthews (75)
3 Sam Talakai (2)
4 Alex Samuel (17)
5 Scott Cummings (127)
6 Gregor Brown (22)
7 Matt Fagerson (113)
8 Jack Dempsey (50)

9 Jamie Dobie (70)
10 Tom Jordan (52)
11 Facundo Cordero (4)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (57)
13 Huw Jones (71)
14 Kyle Rowe (18)
15 Josh McKay (51)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (11)
17 Jamie Bhatti (107)
18 Patrick Schickerling (0)
19 Richie Gray (117)
20 Max Williamson (21)
21 Euan Ferrie (22)
22 Ben Afshar (8)
23 Duncan Weir (151)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (foot), Rory Darge (head), Allan Dell (arm), Adam Hastings (head), George Horne (head), Stafford McDowall (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Kyle Steyn (ankle), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck)