Five alterations for visit of Stormers

• 6 Jan 2023

A Glasgow Warriors side showing five alterations will welcome the DHL Stormers to Scotstoun for the first time this Sunday, as Franco Smith’s men host the defending champions in round 12 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

With last weekend’s thrilling 32-25 victory over Edinburgh having secured the 1872 Cup for Smith’s men, the Warriors will be looking to extend their winning run to six matches across all competitions when the men from Cape Town arrive in Glasgow’s west end.

After a dynamic cameo off the bench last time out, George Turner comes into the starting XV at hooker, packing down between Jamie Bhatti and Lucio Sordoni.

An all-new second-row combination sees JP du Preez make just his second start in Glasgow colours, the big South African pairing up with Lewis Bean in the engine room.

The back-row is unchanged, meaning Matt Fagerson and Sione Vailanu line up on the flanks in a trio completed by number eight Jack Dempsey.

Behind the scrum, George Horne starts at scrum-half after contributing 13 points off the bench at BT Murrayfield, joining Tom Jordan – fresh from crossing for his first try for the club – in the half-backs.

Huw Jones comes into the matchday squad to line up at inside centre against his first professional club, linking up with last weekend’s Player of the Match, Sione Tuipulotu, in the midfield.

Kyle Steyn captains the team from the wing, with Sebastian Cancelliere and Ollie Smith completing the starting XV.

Alex Samuel comes into the matchday squad amongst the replacements, the second-rower in line for his first appearance since November’s trip to Leinster.

Fraser Brown rotates to the bench after starting at BT Murrayfield, joining Nathan McBeth and Simon Berghan as the front-row cover for Sunday’s clash.

Euan Ferrie comes into the matchday squad to cover the back-five of the scrum, whilst Cameron Neild retains the number 21 jersey in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

The bench is completed by Ali Price and Domingo Miotti, the former also rotating to the bench after starting last time out.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “After finishing 2022 strongly, coming up against the defending champions will provide us with a good measure as to where we are in our development.

“The last few weeks have shown the continued development that this group of players has undertaken, and the next job for us is to continue along that path against one of the toughest teams in the league.

“We are striving to compete with the best week in, week out, and we look forward to having the Warrior Nation behind us once again on Sunday afternoon.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face DHL Stormers at Scotstoun, Sunday 8 January, kick-off 3pm. Tickets are still available for the match at glasgowwarriors.org, or you can follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre.

1. Jamie Bhatti (78)
2. George Turner (86)
3. Lucio Sordoni (6)
4. Lewis Bean (26)
5. JP du Preez (11)
6. Matt Fagerson (86)
7. Sione Vailanu (7)
8. Jack Dempsey (29)

9. George Horne (91)
10. Tom Jordan (11)
11. Kyle Steyn (C) (57)
12. Huw Jones (51)
13. Sione Tuipulotu (29)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (19)
15. Ollie Smith (23)

Replacements

16. Fraser Brown (132)
17. Nathan McBeth (11)
18. Simon Berghan (20)
19. Alex Samuel (2)
20. Euan Ferrie (4)
21. Cameron Neild (3)
22. Ali Price (119)
23. Domingo Miotti (14)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (foot), Scott Cummings (foot), Rory Darge (ankle), Allan Dell (calf), Zander Fagerson (hamstring), Oli Kebble (shoulder), Jack Mann (head), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Ross Thompson (ankle), Murphy Walker (neck), Ryan Wilson (knee).