Manjezi and Pieretto return for Glasgow Warriors

Sintu Manjezi and Enrique Pieretto will both make their first competitive appearances since returning from long-term injuries, after being named in the matchday 23 to take on the Ospreys in Swansea tomorrow afternoon.

Second-rower Manjezi pulls on a Glasgow shirt for the first time since last December’s 1872 Cup clinching victory over Edinburgh at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, whilst Pieretto’s selection comes a full season after his most recent outing for the Warriors as the tight-head is in line to play his first competitive fixture under Head Coach Franco Smith.

Two of the six changes to the team that earned victory over the DHL Stormers last weekend come in the front row, as Jamie Bhatti and Lucio Sordoni come into the starting XV to pack down either side of Johnny Matthews.

Richie Gray partners the returning Manjezi in the engine room, the pair having also combined in the aforementioned victory over Edinburgh last December.

Henco Venter comes into the back-row in place of the rested Rory Darge, with Sione Vailanu shifting to openside and Matt Fagerson continuing on the blindside flank.

A new starting half-back combination sees Jamie Dobie start at scrum-half, with Duncan Weir making his first start of the campaign outside him at fly-half.

The midfield partnership is unchanged, meaning captain Stafford McDowall and Sione Tuipulotu – last weekend’s Player of the Match in the win over the Stormers – continue in the centres.

Similarly, the back-three that got the better of the Stormers continues once again, as Kyle Rowe and Sebastian Cancelliere line up in a trio completed by full-back Ollie Smith.

Alongside Pieretto, Allan Dell and Sean Kennedy are both in line to make their first appearances of the 2023/24 season after being named amongst the replacements, with the Warriors once more electing for a six-two split of forwards and backs.

Angus Fraser completes the front-row cover after being voted as the McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for October, whilst Greg Peterson rotates to the bench after starting last time out.

Alex Samuel retains his place in the matchday 23 after a late cameo against the Stormers, with Ally Miller returning to the matchday squad after missing out last weekend.

Tom Jordan rounds out the squad selected for the trip to Swansea, moving to the replacements after starting all three of the club’s fixtures to date in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We were pleased to get the win over the Stormers last weekend, but we know that there is still more to come from us this season.

“The Ospreys have started the season strongly and will present a tough test for us tomorrow, as they look to defend their proud home record.

“We’re also pleased to welcome Sintu and Enrique back into our matchday squad after their long-term injuries. Our medical and S&C teams do a fantastic job in preparing our players for their return to action, and both men have worked hard in preparation for tomorrow’s match.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face the Ospreys at Swansea.com Stadium, Saturday 11 November, kick-off 5.15pm, live on Viaplay Sports.

1 Jamie Bhatti (90)
2 Johnny Matthews (53)
3 Lucio Sordoni (18)
4 Sintu Manjezi (11)
5 Richie Gray (103)
6 Matt Fagerson (96)
7 Sione Vailanu (22)
8 Henco Venter (3)

9 Jamie Dobie (54)
10 Duncan Weir (136)
11 Kyle Rowe (2)
12 Stafford McDowall (C) (60)
13 Sione Tuipulotu (37)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (27)
15 Ollie Smith (34)

Replacements

16 Angus Fraser (6)
17 Allan Dell (5)
18 Enrique Pieretto (31)
19 Greg Peterson (35)
20 Alex Samuel (9)
21 Ally Miller (16)
22 Sean Kennedy (24)
23 Tom Jordan (27)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), Facundo Cordero (ankle), Huw Jones (foot) JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (ankle), Murphy Walker (calf)