Team named for Perpignan clash

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 12: Matt Fagerson during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun Stadium, on December 12, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The match – which will be played at the home of Scottish rugby due to an unplayable pitch at Scotstoun, despite around-the-clock efforts from the club’s grounds team – marks the first-ever meeting between the Warriors and the Catalan outfit, with Sione Tuipulotu named as captain for tomorrow’s clash.

Murphy Walker comes into the front-row after travelling as a reserve last weekend, joining Jamie Bhatti and George Turner in an all-Scotland trio.

Richie Gray is promoted from the bench to pack down in the engine room, lining up alongside Lewis Bean, one of three try-scorers at The Rec last weekend.

An all-new back-row trio sees Jack Dempsey return from injury to line up at number eight, with Matt Fagerson and Sione Vailanu joining the newly-capped Scotland international in a powerful breakaway triumvirate.

After kicking the winning penalty in Bath last time out, Duncan Weir comes into the starting XV for his first start of the season, partnering the returning George Horne in the half-backs.

Tuipulotu’s inclusion in midfield sees Huw Jones slide in one position to line up at inside centre, having crossed for a try on his 50^th Glasgow appearance last weekend.

Sebastian Cancelliere comes into the back three in place of club captain Kyle Steyn, whilst Josh McKay replaces Ollie Smith at full-back in a trio completed by Rufus McLean.

A six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench sees Ali Price draw back into the matchday 23, as the scrum-half joins Tom Jordan as the cover for the back-line at BT Murrayfield tomorrow night.

Simon Berghan rotates to the bench after starting last time out, joining Johnny Matthews and Nathan McBeth as the front-row cover.

Similarly, JP du Preez moves to the replacements after lining up from the start at The Rec, with fellow summer arrival Sintu Manjezi and academy talent Euan Ferrie completing the matchday 23.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org following selection, Head Coach Smith said: “After starting the campaign with a win last weekend in Bath, we know every game is important in ensuring we show the best version of ourselves and take the next step in growing our processes.

“We’re confident in our full squad of players and we know each and every one of them is determined to contribute to the success of Glasgow Warriors.

“We’re also very thankful to everyone who has put the effort in behind the scenes to get this game played, and we want to give our fans a performance to be proud of tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play USA Perpignan at BT Murrayfield, Friday 16 December, kick-off 8pm. You can watch the match live on Viaplay Sports, or follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Jamie Bhatti (75)
2. George Turner (83)
3. Murphy Walker (10)
4. Lewis Bean (23)
5. Richie Gray (90)
6. Matt Fagerson (83)
7. Sione Vailanu (4)
8. Jack Dempsey (26)

9. George Horne (88)
10. Duncan Weir (127)
11. Rufus McLean (24)
12. Huw Jones (50)
13. Sione Tuipulotu (C) (26)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (16)
15. Josh McKay (19)

Replacements

16. Johnny Matthews (34)
17. Nathan McBeth (9)
18. Simon Berghan (17)
19. JP du Preez (9)
20. Sintu Manjezi (9)
21. Euan Ferrie (3)
22. Ali Price (116)
23. Tom Jordan (8)

Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (foot), Rory Darge (ankle), Allan Dell (calf), Zander Fagerson (hamstring), Cole Forbes (neck) Thomas Gordon (calf), Oli Kebble (shoulder), Jack Mann (head), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Alex Samuel (back), Ross Thompson (ankle), Ryan Wilson (knee)