Internationals return for Munster showdown

• 24 Mar 2023

Nine members of the Scotland squad that finished third in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations will line up as part of the matchday squad for Glasgow Warriors in Limerick tomorrow night, as Franco Smith’s side take on Munster in a crucial BKT United Rugby Championship showdown.

A first visit to Thomond Park since 2018 could have a significant impact on the race for a home playoff, with the Warriors currently holding a two-point advantage over the Irish province in the overall standings.

Two of the returning Scotland stars can be found in the front-row, as Zander Fagerson – fresh from starting each of Scotland’s last four matches – and Fraser Brown pack down alongside Nathan McBeth at the coal face.

Scott Cummings partners JP du Preez in the second-row, the latter having been involved in every Glasgow matchday squad in the BKT URC this season aside from the opening round trip to Treviso.

The top tackler in the Guinness Six Nations starts on the blindside flank for the Warriors, as Matt Fagerson lines up alongside Rory Darge and Sione Vailanu in a dynamic breakaway trio.

Ali Price starts at scrum-half, whilst Domingo Miotti makes his first start at fly-half since sustaining a back injury in the win over Perpignan back in January.

Stafford McDowall captains the side in the week that saw the centre agree a new contract extension with the club, with Sam Johnson partnering his skipper in the midfield.

The back-three sees Jamie Dobie selected to start on the wing for the first time in his professional career, as the Scotland international joins Cole Forbes and the returning Ollie Smith in the starting XV.

Having crossed for a hat-trick against Zebre Parma last time out, Johnny Matthews rotates to the bench to accommodate the returning Brown, with Allan Dell and Lucio Sordoni also included amongst the front-row replacements.

Lewis Bean wears the number 19 jersey, as Alex Samuel and Thomas Gordon are also selected in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

George Horne and Tom Jordan complete the matchday 23, the former having crossed for a brace on Glasgow’s most recent visit to Thomond Park.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know the size of the test that Munster will provide in front of their home supporters tomorrow night.

“Our focus, though, is solely on ourselves – the squad has trained well all week since returning from their break, and we are focused on putting out the best version of ourselves tomorrow night.

“Competition for selection has been hard-fought, and everyone in the playing group is putting their hand up and pushing to be involved each week.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Munster at Thomond Park, Saturday 25 March, kick-off 5.15pm. You can watch the match live on Viaplay Sports, or follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (17)
2 Fraser Brown (136)
3 Zander Fagerson (121)
4 JP du Preez (17)
5 Scott Cummings (98)
6 Matt Fagerson (88)
7 Rory Darge (24)
8 Sione Vailanu (13)

9 Ali Price (123)
10 Domingo Miotti (15)
11 Jamie Dobie (46)
12 Sam Johnson (101)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (51)
14 Cole Forbes (34)
15 Ollie Smith (27)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (42)
17 Allan Dell (2)
18 Lucio Sordoni (12)
19 Lewis Bean (33)
20 Alex Samuel (6)
21 Thomas Gordon (63)
22 George Horne (92)
23 Tom Jordan (17)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (knee), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Richie Gray (rib), Oli Kebble (head), Sintu Manjezi (knee), Jack Mann (head), Josh McKay (foot), Enrique Pieretto (chest).