Five changes for Racing encounter

Five changes for Racing encounter

  • 9 Jan 2025

A Glasgow Warriors side showing five changes will take to the field for their first outing of 2025 tomorrow night, as Franco Smith’s squad prepare to take on Racing 92 in round three of the Investec Champions Cup.

Having gained seven points from a possible 10 in their two matches in Europe’s premier club competition to date, the Warriors go into tomorrow night’s match knowing that a win would all but guarantee a place in the knockout stages for a second successive campaign.

Two of the alterations come in the front-row, as a fit-again Johnny Matthews takes his place between British and Irish Lions props Rory Sutherland – who makes his first start since October’s win over Cardiff – and Zander Fagerson.

Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings continue their partnership in the second row, having dove-tailed in the engine room across both legs of the 1872 Cup.

Rory Darge comes into the back-row after returning from a head injury at Scottish Gas Murrayfield last time out, joining Matt Fagerson and Jack Mann in the back-row.

The club’s leading points-scorer in the 2025 Investec Champions Cup starts at scrum-half, as George Horne returns to the starting XV to partner Tom Jordan in the half-backs.

An unchanged midfield combination sees Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones paired together in the centres, the former having made 27 carries across his two matches to date in the competition.

Kyle Steyn captains the side from the wing as he makes his first Investec Champions Cup appearance of the campaign, whilst Josh McKay returns from a thigh injury to line up in a back-three completed by Sebastian Cancelliere.

There’s a return for another injury absentee on the bench in the form of Euan Ferrie, the East Kilbride product set to make his first appearance since October’s win over Zebre Parma at Scotstoun.

Gregor Hiddleston and Jamie Bhatti rotate to the bench after starting at Scottish Gas Murrayfield a fortnight ago, whilst Sam Talakai and Alex Samuel continue in the 18 and 19 jerseys respectively.

Ally Miller similarly rotates to the replacements in a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench, with the backline covered by Jamie Dobie and Duncan Weir for tomorrow night’s showdown.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know that Racing will pose a tough test for our opening match of the New Year, and we must be ready to meet the challenge they will present.

“They have a squad full of physical forwards and talented backs, and can cause problems for any side in Europe on their day.

“We look forward to taking to the field for the first time in 2025 tomorrow night, and look forward to hearing the Warrior Nation behind us.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Racing 92 at Scotstoun Stadium, Friday 10 January, kick-off 8pm. A limited number of tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Rory Sutherland (8)
2 Johnny Matthews (83)
3 Zander Fagerson (158)
4 Gregor Brown (28)
5 Scott Cummings (135)
6 Matt Fagerson (121)
7 Rory Darge (56)
8 Jack Mann (6)

9 George Horne (128)
10 Tom Jordan (60)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (81)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (64)
13 Huw Jones (77)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (46)
15 Josh McKay (57)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (19)
17 Jamie Bhatti (113)
18 Sam Talakai (9)
19 Alex Samuel (25)
20 Ally Miller (32)
21 Euan Ferrie (24)
22 Jamie Dobie (78)
23 Duncan Weir (156)

Unavailable for selection: Adam Hastings (face), Stafford McDowall (suspension), JP du Preez (knee), Jare Oguntibeju (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Henco Venter (head), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
AR1: Jack Makepeace (RFU)
AR2: John Meredith (RFU)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)

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