Internationals return for Cardiff clash

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson is able to call upon the services of six returning Scotland internationals for tomorrow evening’s trip to Cardiff, as his side looks to continue a strong run of recent form in the United Rugby Championship.

In total, there are eight changes to the starting XV that claimed a 30-17 victory over Edinburgh last time out, a result that kept the Warriors firmly in the hunt for a place in the URC playoffs.

Don’t miss Glasgow Warriors back in action at Scotstoun on Friday 1 April, 7.35pm ?

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An all-new front-row sees Fraser Brown and Zander Fagerson return from Scotland duty to start at the coal face, with Jamie Bhatti starting at loose-head after recovering from a hand injury.

Richie Gray and Scott Cummings continue their partnership in the second-row, the former currently leading the URC in lineout steals with nine to date in the competition.

After a standout Guinness Six Nations campaign, Rory Darge returns to the Glasgow lineup to take the place of the injured Thomas Gordon, as he joins Ryan Wilson and Jack Dempsey in the back-row.

Ali Price runs out at scrum-half after starting in all five of Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations fixtures, with Ross Thompson starting at fly-half for the first time since January’s meeting with La Rochelle at Scotstoun.

An all-Scotland midfield combination sees Sam Johnson line up at inside centre, as Kyle Steyn returns to the Glasgow setup in the number 13 shirt.

The back three is unchanged from last weekend’s clash with Edinburgh, meaning Cole Forbes and Sebastian Cancelliere once again flank full-back Josh McKay.

Another Scotland international returns from injury to take his place on the bench, as Oli Kebble lines up amongst the replacements for tomorrow’s match.

Murphy Walker is retained in the matchday 23 after playing 72 minutes last time out, with Johnny Matthews – the club’s joint top try-scorer in the URC this season – covering at hooker.

Kiran McDonald and Ally Miller both continue amongst the replacements, as Jamie Dobie and Duncan Weir rotate to the bench after starting lat time out.

The squad is rounded out by Stafford McDowall, who wears the 23 jersey and will cover the outside backs.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “After a good win against Edinburgh last time out, we know we’ll need to be better again to get a good win away to Cardiff this weekend.

“Cardiff are a team with a strong home record. They’ve only lost once at home all season, including a good win against Leinster, so we know the scale of the challenge facing us.

“We won four of our five matches during the Six Nations window, so now we have our full squad back together we’ll be looking to kick on into the business end of the season.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park, Saturday 26 March, kick-off 5.15pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Jamie Bhatti (59)
2. Fraser Brown (C) (120)
3. Zander Fagerson (108)
4. Scott Cummings (87)
5. Richie Gray (76)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (206)
7. Rory Darge (15)
8. Jack Dempsey (15)

9. Ali Price (104)
10. Ross Thompson (29)
11. Cole Forbes (19)
12. Sam Johnson (86)
13. Kyle Steyn (45)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (6)
15. Josh McKay (8)

16. Johnny Matthews (24)
17. Oli Kebble (70)
18. Murphy Walker (4)
19. Kiran McDonald (48)
20. Ally Miller (8)
21. Jamie Dobie (31)
22. Duncan Weir (120)
23. Stafford McDowall (35)

Unavailable for selection: Lewis Bean, Matt Fagerson, George Horne, Thomas Gordon, Sean Kennedy, Tom Lambert, Nathan McBeth, Rufus McLean, Ollie Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, George Turner.