Jones returns for Benetton clash

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 07: Warriors’ Huw Jones arrives during an Investec Champions Cup match between Glasgow Warriors and Sale Sharks at Scotstoun Stadium, on December 07, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The centre – who was named yesterday in The British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia this summer – will make his first outing in Glasgow colours since January, following his recovery from an injury sustained in the Guinness Six Nations finale back in March.

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Jones is joined in the starting lineup by fellow Lion, Scott Cummings, who starts at blindside a day after being announced as part of the 38-strong squad travelling to Australia this summer.

Fin Richardson is the only member of the Glasgow Warriors starting XV yet to win a senior international cap, the former Scotland U20 tight-head lining up alongside Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews in the front-row for tomorrow’s match.

Max Williamson and Alex Samuel combine in the second-row, the pair having caught the eye with industrious performances in last season’s victory over Benetton at the Stadio Monigo.

Cummings is selected to start on the blindside after making his return from injury against the Vodacom Bulls a fortnight ago, joining Rory Darge and Sione Vailanu in the back-row.

George Horne starts at scrum-half after becoming just the fifth player in club history to pass 500 points for the club on his last outing in Glasgow colours, partnering Tom Jordan – a try-scorer in Treviso last season – in the half-backs.

Stafford McDowall links up with the returning Jones in the midfield, having won Player of the Match honours in Glasgow’s last visit to the Stadio Monigo.

The squad is captained by Kyle Steyn from the wing, with Jamie Dobie – joint-second in the BKT URC’s try-scoring charts this season – and Ollie Smith completing the back-three.

Murphy Walker is in line to make his first appearance for the club since last May after being selected amongst the replacements, the former Dundee Eagle named alongside Gregor Hiddleston and Nathan McBeth as the front-row cover.

JP du Preez returns to the matchday 23 after completing the return to play protocols following a head injury, whilst Euan Ferrie covers the back-row having extended his contract with the club earlier this week.

A five-three split of forwards and backs means that Ben Afshar and Adam Hastings join Kyle Rowe in covering the back-line, the latter set for his first appearance off the bench since arriving at the club in the summer of 2023.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know that Benetton will pose a strong challenge for us tomorrow evening; they possess a proud home record and they are still in full pursuit of a playoff spot.

“We are pleased to welcome Huw back into the starting lineup, having worked hard under the supervision of our medical and strength and conditioning teams to put himself in the best possible position.

“It will take a full squad effort to meet our hosts tomorrow, and we are looking forward to meeting that challenge.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Benetton at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Saturday 10 May, kick-off 5.15pm UK time. You can follow the match in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org, or watch live on Premier Sports.

1 Jamie Bhatti (121)
2 Johnny Matthews (94)
3 Fin Richardson (5)
4 Max Williamson (28)
5 Alex Samuel (36)
6 Scott Cummings (138)
7 Rory Darge (63)
8 Sione Vailanu (34)

9 George Horne (135)
10 Tom Jordan (67)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (88)
12 Stafford McDowall (90)
13 Huw Jones (79)
14 Jamie Dobie (85)
15 Ollie Smith (44)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (23)
17 Nathan McBeth (54)
18 Murphy Walker (13)
19 JP du Preez (30)
20 Euan Ferrie (35)
21 Ben Afshar (20)
22 Adam Hastings (66)
23 Kyle Rowe (33)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (knee), Jack Dempsey (hamstring), Matt Fagerson (ankle), Zander Fagerson (calf), Jack Mann (pectoral), Josh McKay (ankle), Ally Miller (back), Duncan Munn (shoulder), Patrick Schickerling (foot), Rory Sutherland (shoulder), Sam Talakai (personal), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Henco Venter (suspension), Duncan Weir (shoulder).

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
AR 1: Federico Vedovelli (FIR)  AR 2: Dario Merli (FIR)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)