Hastings starts as Sutherland set for debut

Adam Hastings is one of those to come into the starting XV as the fly-half prepares for his first outing at the home of the Warriors since June 2021, whilst Rory Sutherland will make his Glasgow Warriors debut as and when called upon from the replacements bench tomorrow night.

Your champions return home 🤩

Be there as your Warriors run out for the first time at Scotstoun as defending #BKTURC champions when we take on Benetton on Friday 27 September!

🎟️ https://t.co/2QkIzRRnKh#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/mHOPmtkoCK

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) September 13, 2024

An all-new front-row sees Gregor Hiddleston – who made an astounding 27 tackles in just 24 minutes in last Saturday’s clash with Ulster – pack down between Nathan McBeth and Zander Fagerson, the latter having brought up 150 appearances in Glasgow colours last time out.

The second-row partnership of Max Williamson and Richie Gray is unchanged, with Williamson set for his first run-out at Scotstoun since making his senior Scotland debut this summer.

Euan Ferrie comes into the back-row in place of Henco Venter, Matt Fagerson shifting to number eight to accommodate the East Kilbride product in a trio completed by Rory Darge at openside.

Jamie Dobie continues at scrum-half, as Hastings pulls on the number 10 jersey for the first time at Scotstoun since returning from Gloucester this summer.

Tom Jordan moves to inside centre after starting at fly-half last weekend, joining Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield for tomorrow night’s clash.

Josh McKay continues at full-back as Kyle Steyn leads the team from the wing, with Kyle Rowe replacing Sebastian Cancelliere on the opposite flank.

Sutherland will become Warrior #362 upon his entry into the fray tomorrow evening, the Hawick-born loose-head set for his first taste of competitive action in the 2024/25 campaign.

Fellow prop Sam Talakai – who made his debut in Belfast last weekend – is another set for his first outing at Scotstoun, as Johnny Matthews rotates to the bench after scoring his 40^th try in Glasgow colours last time out.

Scott Cummings returns from an injury sustained on Scotland’s summer tour to take his place amongst the replacements, joining Alex Samuel and Gregor Brown in a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench.

The back-line is covered by two players set for their first outings of 2024/25, with George Horne and Duncan Weir bringing over 260 appearances’ worth of experience between them.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Tomorrow night presents us with an opportunity to build upon the effort shown by the players in our opening URC match of the season.

“Benetton have recruited well during the off season and are a team with ambitions of challenging at the top of the standings; we know they will be a tough challenge and one we will need to meet head on.

“We also look forward to seeing Rory make his debut for the club. He has trained well since arriving in the summer and we know he will be eager to make an impact.”

Glasgow Warriors ‘A’ are also in action tomorrow night as they take on Edinburgh – follow our social media channels for a roundup of the action.

Glasgow Warriors team to face Benetton at Scotstoun, Friday 27 September, kick-off 7.35pm. Tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (43)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (10)
3 Zander Fagerson (150)
4 Max Williamson (20)
5 Richie Gray (116)
6 Euan Ferrie (21)
7 Rory Darge (49)
8 Matt Fagerson (112)

9 Jamie Dobie (69)
10 Adam Hastings (54)
11 Kyle Rowe (17)
12 Tom Jordan (51)
13 Sione Tuipulotu (56)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (78)
15 Josh McKay (50)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (74)
17 Rory Sutherland (0)
18 Sam Talakai (1)
19 Alex Samuel (16)
20 Scott Cummings (126)
21 Gregor Brown (21)
22 George Horne (119)
23 Duncan Weir (150)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (foot), Allan Dell (arm), Jack Dempsey (back), Huw Jones (calf), Stafford McDowall (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee),Henco Venter (thigh), Murphy Walker (neck)

Your champions return home 🤩

Be there as your Warriors run out for the first time at Scotstoun as defending #BKTURC champions when we take on Benetton on Friday 27 September!

🎟️ https://t.co/2QkIzRRnKh#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/mHOPmtkoCK

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) September 13, 2024