Three players set for glasgow warriors debuts

The opening match of the competition sees the Warriors travel to Treviso to take on their Scottish-Italian Shield rivals, as new captain Kyle Steyn and company look to start the new season on the front foot.

Having impressed on his short-term deal with the club so far, Lucio Sordoni will make his Glasgow Warriors debut after being selected at tight-head, the Argentinian joining Jamie Bhatti and Fraser Brown in an all-international front-row.

Lewis Bean and Richie Gray are paired together in the second-row, the latter having stolen more lineouts than any other player in the 2021/22 BKT URC.

Summer signing Sintu Manjezi will make his club debut from the blindside flank, with Matt Fagerson lining up at openside in a breakaway triumvirate completed by last season’s leading carrier, Jack Dempsey.

George Horne is given the nod at scrum-half, whilst Tom Jordan will make his first professional appearance in Glasgow Warriors colours; the former Ayrshire Bull is named at fly-half, shifting infield after running out at inside centre against the Bulls in Inverness.

Sione Tuipulotu comes into the starting XV after missing the clash at the Caledonian Stadium, combining with Stafford McDowall in the midfield.

Club captain Steyn – making his 50th appearance in Glasgow colours – is joined by Argentinian flyer Sebastian Cancelliere on the wings, with Cole Forbes completing the lineup by starting at full-back.

The bench sees the Warriors opt for a six-two split of forwards and backs for the visit to Treviso, as the club’s coaching team prepare for the physical test set to be presented by the Leoni.

Last season’s top try-scorer Johnny Matthews is named amongst the front-row cover, joining Scotland international props Oli Kebble and Zander Fagerson amongst the replacements.

Scott Cummings wears the number 19 shirt, whilst a brace of opensides lie in wait on the bench in the form of Rory Darge and Thomas Gordon.

The replacements are rounded out by Ali Price and Duncan Weir, with the pair covering the back-line between them at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org following selection, Franco Smith said: “We’re all excited to get our season underway tomorrow evening in Treviso.

“The boys have all worked extremely hard throughout pre-season and tomorrow gives them the opportunity to show the results.

“Lucio, Sintu and Tom have all earned the opportunity to make their debut for the club tomorrow and we look forward to seeing them make their mark in a Warriors jersey.

“Benetton are a fit attacking minded team who like to run the ball from everywhere and we’ll need to be at our best tomorrow in Treviso.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Benetton at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Friday 16 September, kick-off 5.30pm (UK time). You can watch the match live on Premier Sports 1, or follow the action through the @GlasgowWarriors Twitter account.

1. Jamie Bhatti (67)
2. Fraser Brown (123)
3. Lucio Sordoni (0)
4. Lewis Bean (18)
5. Richie Gray (83)
6. Sintu Manjezi (0)
7. Matt Fagerson (79)
8. Jack Dempsey (22)

9. George Horne (80)
10. Tom Jordan (0)
11. Kyle Steyn (C) (49)
12. Stafford McDowall (38)
13. Sione Tuipulotu (20)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (9)
15. Cole Forbes (24)

16. Johnny Matthews (31)
17. Oli Kebble (77)
18. Zander Fagerson (115)
19. Scott Cummings (90)
20. Rory Darge (20)
21. Thomas Gordon (52)
22. Ali Price (111)
23. Duncan Weir (125)

Unavailable for selection: Allan Dell (calf), Jamie Dobie (hamstring), Huw Jones (back), Ally Miller (back), Domingo Miotti (hamstring), Enrique Pieretto (shoulder), Ollie Smith (back), Ross Thompson (back).