Jones and Rowe return for Clermont clash

The Warriors return to Investec Champions Cup action sitting top of Pool One after the opening two rounds of competition, victories over Sale Sharks and Stade Toulousain last month having earned Franco Smith’s squad 10 points from the 10 available to date.

Patrick Schickerling continues at loose-head after starting last weekend’s victory over Zebre Parma, with Gregor Hiddleston and Zander Fagerson joining the prop in the front-row.

Alex Craig and Scott Cummings form the second-row partnership, the latter having made his 150^th appearance for the club at Scottish Gas Murrayfield a fortnight ago.

Euan Ferrie continues at blindside after returning from injury last time out, as Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey complete the back-row trio.

Behind the scrum, George Horne comes in to start at scrum-half, whilst Dan Lancaster lines up in the number 10 jersey.

Jones starts at outside-centre for his first appearance since last summer’s British & Irish Lions tour, joining Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield for the trip to the Stade Marcel-Michelin.

Jamie Dobie – the top try-scorer in the BKT United Rugby Championship this season – and captain Kyle Steyn start on the wings, Rowe starting at full-back for his first outing since November’s visit to the Scarlets.

Fresh from scoring his first try at Scotstoun last weekend, Seb Stephen rotates to the bench for tomorrow’s encounter, joining Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover.

Max Williamson wears the number 19 jersey, whilst Gregor Brown, Ally Miller and Stafford McDowall all continue their run of being involved in each matchday 23 in the Investec Champions Cup so far this season.

Ben Afshar rounds out the squad, having featured prominently in last weekend’s win over Zebre Parma at Scotstoun.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We are pleased to welcome both Huw and Kyle back into our starting lineup for this weekend’s match.

“Both men have worked diligently throughout their recovery alongside our medical and strength and conditioning teams, and have put themselves in the best position possible ahead of their return.

“Clermont will pose a stern test tomorrow afternoon, with a highly physical forward pack and the ability to cause teams problems from anywhere on the field.

“Their record at home is also formidable, and we know that we will need to be at our best to match their level this weekend.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face ASM Clermont-Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin, Saturday 10 January, kick-off 3.15pm UK time. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre.

1 Patrick Schickerling (17)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (36)
3 Zander Fagerson (166)
4 Alex Craig (9)
5 Scott Cummings (150)
6 Euan Ferrie (45)
7 Matt Fagerson (133)
8 Jack Dempsey (60)

9 George Horne (148)
10 Dan Lancaster (10)
11 Jamie Dobie (97)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (76)
13 Huw Jones (81)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (100)
15 Kyle Rowe (42)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (7)
17 Rory Sutherland (19)
18 Sam Talakai (31)
19 Max Williamson (41)
20 Gregor Brown (44)
21 Ally Miller (41)
22 Stafford McDowall (104)
23 Ben Afshar (29)

Unavailable for selection: Angus Fraser (knee), Adam Hastings (knee), Johnny Matthews (calf), Nathan McBeth (calf), Josh McKay (hamstring), Fin Richardson (calf), Alex Samuel (shoulder), Charlie Savala (knee), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee).