Cancelliere returns for Benetton clash

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Warriors Sebastian Cancelliere in action during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Ulster at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 25, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The winger is one of two changes from the team that claimed a 40-7 win over the Dragons, as Franco Smith’s men look to keep pace at the top end of a hotly-contested BKT United Rugby Championship table.

Nathan McBeth is the other alteration to the starting lineup for tomorrow’s clash, the loose-head prop coming in to join the league’s top try-scorer, Johnny Matthews, and Lucio Sordoni in the front-row.

An unchanged second-row partnership sees Max Williamson and Alex Samuel combine once more in the engine room, the former Scotland U20 duo having each turned in industrious performances last time out.

Euan Ferrie starts on the blindside to take on the team against which he made his professional debut, as Thomas Gordon and Henco Venter round out the starting pack.

Jamie Dobie shifts from the wing to his usual scrum-half role in order to accommodate the returning Cancelliere, with the Highland RFC product – who signed a new long-term contract extension with the club this week – joining Ross Thompson in the half-backs.

The centre combination is retained from last time out, after Tom Jordan and captain Stafford McDowall dove-tailed to devastating effect under the Scotstoun floodlights.

Cancelliere lines up on one flank, with Facundo Cordero – fresh from a try-scoring debut for the Warriors last time out – and Josh McKay completing a livewire back-three trio.

There is also a returnee from injury awaiting amongst the replacements, as Ally Miller returns to a Glasgow Warriors matchday 23 after recovering from a calf injury sustained against Toulon back in January.

Allan Dell is set for his first appearance since November’s victory over Benetton at Scotstoun, the Scotland loose-head joining Oli Kebble as the cover at prop.

Gregor Hiddleston and Angus Fraser both retain their places amongst the replacements after being involved off the bench against the Dragons, with Sintu Manjezi completing a six-two split of forwards and backs.

The back-line is covered by Ben Afshar and Duncan Weir, the former having crossed for his first try in Glasgow colours last time out.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Benetton will be defending a proud home record tomorrow afternoon, and have been in strong form across this season to date.

“They have recruited well and have developed their squad across the board, providing a strong opponent for us that we will need to be at our best to overcome.

“We’re pleased to welcome back Sebastian into our team, with a lot of credit to go to the medical and S&C teams for the work they do with all of our players as they target their return to play dates.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Benetton at Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Saturday 2 March, kick-off 3pm (UK time). You can follow the match live on our Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org, or watch live on Viaplay Sports.

1 Nathan McBeth (32)
2 Johnny Matthews (62)
3 Lucio Sordoni (25)
4 Max Williamson (8)
5 Alex Samuel (13)
6 Euan Ferrie (12)
7 Thomas Gordon (71)
8 Henco Venter (10)

9 Jamie Dobie (56)
10 Ross Thompson (45)
11 Facundo Cordero (1)
12 Tom Jordan (38)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (70)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (31)
15 Josh McKay (39)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (2)
17 Allan Dell (7)
18 Oli Kebble (96)
19 Sintu Manjezi (17)
20 Ally Miller (24)
21 Angus Fraser (10)
22 Ben Afshar (7)
23 Duncan Weir (143)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), Gregor Brown (knee), Richie Gray (bicep), Jack Mann (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (knee).

International duty: Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, George Horne, Huw Jones, Kyle Rowe, George Turner.