Team named for Munster challenge

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Stafford Mcdowall in action for Glasgow during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Benetton Rugby at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 18, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Franco Smith’s men will be looking to defend their position at the top of the league standings, having moved to the top of the pile after a bonus-point 33-20 win over Ulster at Scotstoun last time out.

An all-new front-row sees Johnny Matthews – who currently sits atop the try-scoring charts with seven – pack down between Nathan McBeth and Lucio Sordoni, the former returning to the matchday 23 for the first time since the round two visit to Connacht.

Scott Cummings continues in the second-row, with Sintu Manjezi moving into the engine room to partner the Scotland star.

Rory Darge is the only member of the back-row to be retained from last weekend’s triumph over Ulster, as the openside is joined by Sione Vailanu and Henco Venter in a powerful trio of loose-forwards.

Having crossed for one of the club’s five tries last weekend, Sean Kennedy continues at scrum-half, with Duncan Weir coming in to start outside him in the number 10 jersey.

The midfield combination is once again unchanged, meaning captain Stafford McDowall is paired alongside fellow Scotland international – and last weekend’s Player of the Match – Sione Tuipulotu.

Ollie Smith comes into the team on the wing in place of Sebastian Cancelliere in the only alteration to the back-three, as Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay complete the starting lineup.

A mixture of youth and experience can be found amongst the front-row replacements, with Scotland props Oli Kebble and Zander Fagerson joining Angus Fraser on the bench in Cork.

Greg Peterson wears the number 19 shirt, whilst Max Williamson returns to the matchday 23 after making his professional debut against Benetton a fortnight ago.

Thomas Gordon covers the back-row in a six-two split, as Ben Afshar – fresh from his own professional debut last weekend – and Tom Jordan cover the back division.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “The URC is such a competitive competition, yet travelling to Munster remains one of the most difficult challenges in the league.

“Munster are defending champions for a reason; they are a team filled with experience and international quality who know how to perform on the big stage.

“It will be a huge challenge for us and we know we have to be at our best tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Munster at Musgrave Park, Friday 1 December, kick-off 7.35pm. You can watch the match live on Viaplay Sports, or follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth
2 Johnny Matthews (56)
3 Lucio Sordoni (21)
4 Sintu Manjezi (14)
5 Scott Cummings (110)
6 Sione Vailanu (25)
7 Rory Darge (36)
8 Henco Venter

9 Sean Kennedy (27)
10 Duncan Weir (138)
11 Ollie Smith (35)
12 Stafford McDowall (C) (63)
13 Sione Tuipulotu (40)
14 Kyle Rowe (5)
15 Josh McKay (31)

Replacements

16 Angus Fraser (7)
17 Oli Kebble (89)
18 Zander Fagerson (132)
19 Greg Peterson (38)
20 Max Williamson (1)
21 Thomas Gordon (67)
22 Ben Afshar (1)
23 Tom Jordan (30)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), Facundo Cordero (ankle), Jamie Dobie (ankle), Huw Jones (foot) JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (ankle)