Kebble set to reach century on Plaster It Purple night

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 18: Oli Kebble during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun Stadium, on March 18, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The loose-head is amongst the replacements for the South African side’s first visit to Glasgow since October 2021, a fixture that will also see Glasgow Warriors look to raise as much money as possible for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity on Plaster It Purple night at Scotstoun.

An unchanged front-five from the team that took on Harlequins a fortnight ago sees Nathan McBeth and Zander Fagerson continue as the props, with Johnny Matthews – the BKT URC’s top try-scorer – packing down in the middle of the front-row.

Max Williamson and Scott Cummings are partnered together in the engine room, having also started on the club’s last BKT URC outing away to the Scarlets.

Henco Venter is the only alteration to the starting pack that ran out at the Twickenham Stoop, coming in to start at openside in a back-row completed by Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey.

Behind the scrum, George Horne and Tom Jordan continue as the half-backs, the former having crossed for a scintillating team try against Harlequins last time out.

Sione Tuipulotu makes his first BKT URC start of the calendar year after returning from injury a fortnight ago, partnering Stafford McDowall in the centres for tomorrow night’s clash.

The only change to the starting back-line sees Facundo Cordero come into the starting XV on the wing, with Kyle Rowe moving to full-back for the first time in Glasgow colours in a back-three completed by captain Kyle Steyn.

Gregor Hiddleston and Lucio Sordoni join centurion-in-waiting Kebble as the front-row cover, as the Warriors opt for a six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements.

Sintu Manjezi wears the number 19 jersey for the third match in succession, whilst Ally Miller and Thomas Gordon cover the back-row between them.

Jamie Dobie and Ross Thompson complete the replacements, the latter set for his first outing in Glasgow colours since the win over Benetton at the start of March.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “The Sharks will pose a significant test tomorrow night, and we know that we will have to perform well to get the right result.

“They have a squad filled with powerful forwards and dangerous backs, and they have the potential to cause problems from anywhere on the field.

“We have worked hard all week in preparation for this match, as we also look to celebrate the work of the inspirational team at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity at Scotstoun tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Hollywoodbets Sharks at Scotstoun, Friday 19 April, kick-off 7.35pm. Tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (36)
2 Johnny Matthews (66)
3 Zander Fagerson (141)
4 Max Wiliamson (12)
5 Scott Cummings (118)
6 Matt Fagerson (104)
7 Henco Venter (14)
8 Jack Dempsey (43)

9 George Horne (111)
10 Tom Jordan (42)
11 Facundo Cordero (2)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (47)
13 Stafford McDowall (74)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (70)
15 Kyle Rowe (13)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (6)
17 Oli Kebble (99)
18 Lucio Sordoni (29)
19 Sintu Manjezi (21)
20 Ally Miller (27)
21 Thomas Gordon (73)
22 Jamie Dobie (60)
23 Ross Thompson (46)

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (foot), Fraser Brown (knee), Sebastian Cancelliere (knee), Rory Darge (ankle), Richie Gray (bicep), Huw Jones (hand), Josh McKay (illness), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), George Turner (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee).