Fergusson named for first start of season

Glasgow Warriors centre Robbie Fergusson will make his first appearance of the 2021/22 campaign, after being named in the midfield for tomorrow night’s clash with Munster at Scotstoun.

The Scotland 7s star is named in the starting XV for the first time since re-joining his first professional club at the end of 2021, after returning to Scotstoun for a third spell after his Olympic exploits with Team GB.

⏰ Supporters have just two days to make the most of the best priced seats for our clash against Munster, with tickets set to increase at midnight on Friday.

Secure your seat today as we welcome our URC rivals to Scotstoun Stadium this weekend ➡️ https://t.co/Fq4cqIdRGf pic.twitter.com/O84vrGHDyJ
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) February 9, 2022

There are four changes in total to the starting lineup that claimed a bonus-point win away to Connacht last time out, with Attack Coach Nigel Carolan set to take charge of the team after Head Coach Danny Wilson tested positive for COVID-19.

Simon Berghan comes into the team to start at tight-head, joining fellow Scotland internationals Oli Kebble and Fraser Brown in the front-row.

Richie Gray retains his place in the second-row, as Scott Cummings is released from Scotland camp to partner the Cambuslang product in the engine room.

An unchanged back-row sees Ryan Wilson and Thomas Gordon continue on the flanks, with Jack Dempsey – the top carrier in the United Rugby Championship – starting at number eight for the fourth match in succession.

George Horne starts at scrum-half after a lively showing in Galway a fortnight ago, with Duncan Weir once again lining up outside him in the number 10 jersey.

An all-new centre partnership sees Fergusson paired with Sam Johnson in the midfield, the latter having started in Scotland’s 20-17 victory over England in the Calcutta Cup last weekend.

Sebastian Cancelliere and Ollie Smith are joined by Rufus McLean in the back-three, with the flying McLean looking to build upon a two-try performance in the 42-20 win over Connacht.

Another try-scorer in Galway is named amongst the replacements, as Johnny Matthews joins Nathan McBeth and Enrique Pieretto as the front-row cover for tomorrow night’s clash.

Kiran McDonald rotates to the bench in order to accommodate the returning Cummings, whilst Ally Miller wears the number 20 for the second successive match in the URC.

Jamie Dobie covers scrum-half after a composed cameo off the bench a fortnight ago, with Stafford McDowall continuing to cover the outside backs in the 23 shirt.

The bench is completed by Argentinian international Domingo Miotti, who is in line for his first appearance since December’s win over the Dragons at Scotstoun should he come on to the field.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org following selection, Carolan said: “We were really pleased with our performance against Connacht two weeks ago – we played in the right areas of the pitch and created a lot of scoring opportunities.

“There’s a lot of history between us and Munster – they are a quality side and tomorrow night we’ll need to bring the same defensive energy and attacking intent.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Robbie Fergusson back, for his first involvement of the season, and our internationals Scott Cummings, Sam Johnson and Rufus McLean.

“It’s great to be back at Scotstoun on a Friday night and we’re looking forward to the challenge of Munster.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Munster at Scotstoun, Friday 11 February, kick-off 8.15pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli Kebble (67)
2. Fraser Brown (117) (C)
3. Simon Berghan (3)
4. Scott Cummings (85)
5. Richie Gray (72)
6 Ryan Wilson (202) (C)
7. Thomas Gordon (43)
8. Jack Dempsey (11)

9. George Horne (76)
10. Duncan Weir (117)
11. Rufus McLean (17)
12. Sam Johnson (83)
13. Robbie Fergusson (12)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (4)
15. Ollie Smith (11)

Replacements

16. Johnny Matthews (20)
17. Nathan McBeth (2)
18. Enrique Pieretto (28)
19. Kiran McDonald (44)
20. Ally Miller (4)
21. Jamie Dobie (27)
22. Domingo Miotti (1)
23. Stafford McDowall (31)

Unavailable for selection: Hamish Bain, Rob Harley, Tom Lambert, Josh McKay, Ross Thompson.