First start for Forbes and Smith

Back-three duo Cole Forbes and Ollie Smith will both make their first starts for Glasgow Warriors this weekend, after being selected in Head Coach Danny Wilson’s starting XV to face Leinster on Sunday night.

It will be a
full debut in the case of Forbes, with the Scottish-qualified former New
Zealand U20, talent having followed in the footsteps of Smith earlier this week
by agreeing a professional contract with the Warriors.

The
Scotstoun side also welcome back nine players from Scotland camp in the wake of
the postponed Guinness Six Nations fixture away to France, including two thirds
of the front row as Oli Kebble and Grant Stewart return to join Enrique
Pieretto at the coal face.

Richie Gray
packs down alongside Leone Nakarawa in the second row, the pair able to boast
over 120 club appearances between them in addition to a British and Irish Lions
cap and an Olympic gold medal.

The back row
is unchanged from last week’s meeting with Ulster at Scotstoun, meaning Rob
Harley and Thomas Gordon once again line up either side of club co-captain Ryan
Wilson.

Jamie Dobie
and Adam Hastings combine once more in the half-backs, the former’s form having
earned him a first senior Scotland call-up this week.

Smith’s
inclusion sees Huw Jones named at outside centre, forming an all-Scotland
partnership with Sam Johnson in the midfield.

Rufus McLean
continues his streak of consecutive appearances by starting on the wing,
joining Forbes and his Scotland U20 colleague Smith in the back three.

Another
Scotland U20 cap could make his Glasgow Warriors debut on Sunday evening in
Dublin, as FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy back-rower Gregor Brown is named in a
professional matchday 23 for the first time.

Johnny
Matthews moves to the bench after starting against Ulster, as Aki Seiuli –
fresh from scoring his first try for the club last time out – and D’arcy Rae complete
the front-row replacements.

TJ Ioane
could make his tenth appearance of the campaign after being named in the number
20 shirt, whilst Sean Kennedy once again provides experienced cover at
scrum-half.

Ross
Thompson and Robbie Fergusson complete the matchday squad, the latter having
been named in the Great Britain 7s squad for the Tokyo Olympics earlier today.

Speaking
following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “It’s unfortunate the Scotland game has been postponed, however we’re pleased to welcome some of our Scotland boys back and to be able to give them game time.

“We’ve named an exciting back line blending our experienced internationals with a young, promising back three.

“Cole [Forbes] and Gregor [Brown] have both impressed in training and have earned the opportunity to make their debut.

“Leinster are the in form side in the competition. Although they will lose several internationals they are an example of strength and depth. It will still be a massive challenge at the RDS.”

Glasgow
Warriors team to face Leinster in the Guinness PRO14, Sunday 28 February,
kick-off 5.30pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can follow the action in our
Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli
Kebble (53)
2. Grant Stewart (40)
3. Enrique Pieretto (10)
4. Richie Gray (54)
5. Leone Nakarawa (74)
6. Rob Harley (242)
7. Thomas Gordon (28)
8. Ryan Wilson (C) (182)

9. Jamie
Dobie (15)
10. Adam Hastings (47)
11. Cole Forbes (0)
12. Sam Johnson (67)
13. Huw Jones (46)
14. Rufus McLean (2)
15. Ollie Smith (1)

16. Johnny
Matthews (8)
17. Aki Seiuli (23)
18. D’arcy Rae (79)
19. Gregor Brown (0)
20. TJ Ioane (9)
21. Sean Kennedy (13)
22. Ross Thompson (3)
23. Robbie Fergusson (8)

Unavailable for selection: Alex Allan, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson,
Chris Fusaro, George Horne, Pete Horne, Paddy Kelly, Kiran McDonald, Niko
Matawalu, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn

International duty: Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price, George
Turner.