Five internationals return to start against Scarlets

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Tom Jordan and Zander Fagerson in action for Warriors during a BKT URC match between Glasgow Warriors and DHL Stormers at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 03, 2023, in Scotstoun, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

George Horne is the only member of the quintet to have also featured in last weekend’s win over Cardiff at Scotstoun, the centurion having come off the bench to help his side record a 17-13 victory and keep pace at the top of the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

Up front, Gregor Hiddleston makes his first league start in Glasgow Warriors colours, the hooker packing down between Nathan McBeth and the returning Zander Fagerson in the front-row.

Scott Cummings comes into the second-row to partner Max Williamson, the latter having crossed for his first try for the club in last weekend’s triumph over Cardiff.

An all-new back-row sees Ally Miller and Henco Venter promoted to the starting XV after featuring off the bench last weekend, with Rory Darge completing the back-row trio by lining up at openside for his first appearance for Glasgow Warriors in 2024.

Horne partners Duncan Weir in the half-backs, the pair having combined for over 1200 points in Glasgow Warriors to date in their respective professional careers.

The midfield partnership is unchanged for a fourth successive match, as Tom Jordan joins captain Stafford McDowall in the midfield for tomorrow’s clash.

Kyle Rowe comes in to start on the wing in the only alteration to the back-three, the Scotland flyer joining Sebastian Cancelliere and Josh McKay to round out the back-line.

Gregor Brown could make his first appearance since December’s victory away to Aviron Bayonnais after being named amongst the replacements, the Aberdeen-born back-rower having recovered from a knee injury to return to the matchday 23.

Johnny Matthews and Lucio Sordoni rotate to the bench after starting last time out, whilst Allan Dell retains his place in the matchday squad to complete the front-row cover.

Sintu Manjezi wears the number 19 jersey, whilst Thomas Gordon completes a six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements.

The back-line is covered by Jamie Dobie and Duncan Munn, the latter having made his professional debut in the final minute of last weekend’s victory at Scotstoun.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “The Scarlets will be a tough test tomorrow night, especially after their win over Benetton last weekend.

“They will take a lot of belief and confidence from that win; they will see that victory as a turning point in their season, and we have no doubt that they will throw everything at us tomorrow night.

“We expect them to be highly motivated and we know that they will have done their homework this week in preparing for this match, so we are under no illusions as to how tough an encounter tomorrow night will be.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets, Saturday 30 March, kick-off 7.35pm. 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 (34)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (4)
3 Zander Fagerson (139)
4 Max Williamson (10)
5 Scott Cummings (116)
6 Ally Miller (26)
7 Rory Darge (40)
8 Henco Venter (12)

9 George Horne (109)
10 Duncan Weir (145)
11 Sebastian Cancelliere (33)
12 Tom Jordan (40)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (72)
14 Kyle Rowe (11)
15 Josh McKay (41)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (64)
17 Allan Dell (9)
18 Lucio Sordoni (27)
19 Sintu Manjezi (19)
20 Gregor Brown (15)
21 Thomas Gordon (72)
22 Jamie Dobie (58)
23 Duncan Munn (1)

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (foot), Fraser Brown (knee), Richie Gray (bicep), Huw Jones (hand), Jack Mann (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee).