Johnson to reach century in Lions clash

Sam Johnson will make his 100th appearance for Glasgow Warriors in Johannesburg tomorrow afternoon, after the centre was named in the starting XV for the club’s rescheduled BKT United Rugby Championship clash with the Emirates Lions.

The 29-year-old has become a fixture in the midfield for both club and country since making his Glasgow Warriors debut in a 31-19 win over the Ospreys in November 2015, scoring 10 tries in Glasgow colours to date.

Johnson lines up in a starting XV showing three changes from last weekend’s 17-11 victory over Ulster, a result that propelled Franco Smith’s team into the top four of the BKT URC standings.

An unchanged front-row sees Johnny Matthews continue at hooker, packing down between Nathan McBeth – who lines up against his former team for the first time – and Argentinian international Lucio Sordoni.

Lewis Bean and Scott Cummings continue their partnership in the second-row, the latter currently sitting in the league’s top five for lineout steals across the season so far.

The back-row sees Sione Vailanu shift to number eight in a combination that sees two alterations from last weekend’s victory; Ally Miller comes in at blindside to make his first appearance of the 2022/23 campaign, whilst Rory Darge is named at openside for his first outing since picking up a knee injury against Cardiff back in round two of the BKT URC.

Behind the scrum, Jamie Dobie and Tom Jordan are given the nod once more in the half-backs, having each started in front of a sold-out Scotstoun last time out.

Johnson lines up at inside centre on the occasion of his 100^th appearance, joining captain Stafford McDowall – himself making his 50^th appearance in Glasgow colours – in the midfield for the trip to Emirates Airline Park.

After impressing in the FOSROC Super6 since its inception, Eli Caven will make his professional debut for Glasgow Warriors after being named on the wing, the Ayrshire Bulls standout joining Cole Forbes and Josh McKay in the back-three.

Allan Dell could also make his club debut after the Scotland prop was named amongst the replacements for tomorrow afternoon’s match, having recovered from a calf injury sustained in pre-season to take his place in the matchday 23 for the first time.

Angus Fraser is in line for his first BKT URC appearance should he come on to the field, as Scotland tight-head Simon Berghan completes the front-row cover.

JP du Preez is another returning to his former stamping ground as the South African wears the number 19 jersey, with Euan Ferrie retaining his place in the matchday 23.

Thomas Gordon rotates to the bench after starting last Friday night in a six-two split of forwards and backs, with Sean Kennedy and Duncan Weir covering the back-line.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Tomorrow is an opportunity for us to show the progression we have made across this season so far.

“To be a great team you need to be a great squad, and the 23 players we have selected know that they represent everyone at this club when they run out onto the field.

“I would also like to congratulate Sam on his 100th appearance for the club – he is someone who always gives everything he has to the team and sets a strong example to his team-mates.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face the Emirates Lions at Emirates Airline Park, Saturday 25 February, kick-off 2.15pm (UK time). 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 (16)
2 Johnny Matthews (40)
3 Lucio Sordoni (11)
4 Lewis Bean (31)
5 Scott Cummings (96)
6 Ally Miller (13)
7 Rory Darge (22)
8 Sione Vailanu (11)

9 Jamie Dobie (44)
10 Tom Jordan (15)
11 Eli Caven (0)
12 Sam Johnson (99)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (49)
14 Cole Forbes (32)
15 Josh McKay (25)

Replacements

16 Angus Fraser (1)
17 Allan Dell (0)
18 Simon Berghan (25)
19 JP du Preez (15)
20 Euan Ferrie (8)
21 Thomas Gordon (61)
22 Sean Kennedy (22)
23 Duncan Weir (132)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (knee), Sintu Manjezi (knee), Jack Mann (head), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Ross Thompson (ankle), Murphy Walker (neck), Ryan Wilson (knee).

International duty: Jamie Bhatti, Fraser Brown, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, George Horne, Huw Jones, Ali Price, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu.