McKay and Miotti in line for Glasgow Warriors debuts

Summer signings Josh McKay and Domingo Miotti are both set for their first appearances in Glasgow Warriors colours this weekend, after being named in the matchday 23 to take on Dragons at Scotstoun tomorrow night.

New Zealand-born full-back McKay goes straight into the starting XV as one of five changes from the team that took on Benetton last weekend, whilst Argentinian international fly-half Miotti lines up amongst the replacements for the clash under the Scotstoun floodlights.

All eyes on?

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— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) December 2, 2021

Zander Fagerson comes back into the team at tight-head after being rested for the trip to Treviso, with Oli Kebble switching across to loose-head and George Turner completing an all-international front-row.

Rob Harley and Richie Gray continue their partnership in the second-row, the latter leading the Warriors in tackles this season with 54 from his six United Rugby Championship appearances to date.

The back-row sees the return of club co-captain Ryan Wilson after his Barbarians adventure was cut short last weekend, taking the place of the rested Matt Fagerson in a trio completed by Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey.

Another returning Scotland international starts at scrum-half, as Ali Price partners Ross Thompson in the half-backs.

An all-new centre combination sees Sione Tuipulotu slide across to inside centre as Sam Johnson is rested, meaning Kyle Steyn comes into the midfield for his first start at outside centre since November 2019.

McKay’s inclusion at full-back sees Cole Forbes move across to the wing to accommodate the former Canterbury man, with Sebastian Cancelliere set to make his first appearance at Scotstoun as he completes the back three.

Similar to Cancelliere, Nathan McBeth is in line for a first run-out in front of the Warrior Nation after being named amongst the replacements, the prop having made his Glasgow debut in Treviso last weekend.

Johnny Matthews continues in the number 16 jersey, as Murray McCallum comes into the squad to provide cover at tight-head.

Lewis Bean returns to the matchday squad after missing his first URC match of the campaign last weekend, whilst Kiran McDonald retains his place after returning from injury last time out.

Jamie Dobie joins Argentina fly-half Miotti in providing cover for the half-backs, as Nick Grigg rounds out the matchday 23.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Danny Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “We will look back at the Benetton game as missed opportunity for an away win and we need to be better at home this week.

“We addressed our performance and lack of discipline at the start of the week, took our learnings from that game and now we turn our focus onto this weekend’s challenge of the Dragons at Scotstoun.

“Tomorrow we get the chance to see Josh McKay and Domingo Miotti get their first involvements with the club and we welcome back the likes of Ali Price, Zander Fagerson and Ryan Wilson.

“We’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch tomorrow and welcoming the Dragons to Scotstoun.”

Glasgow Warriors team to take on Dragons at Scotstoun Stadium, Saturday 4 December, kick-off 7.35pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli Kebble (61)
2. George Turner (65)
3. Zander Fagerson (102)
4. Rob Harley (256)
5. Richie Gray (67)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (197)
7. Rory Darge (9)
8. Jack Dempsey (5)

9. Ali Price (98)
10. Ross Thompson (20)
11. Cole Forbes (12)
12. Sione Tuipulotu (6)
13. Kyle Steyn (36)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (1)
15. Josh McKay (0)

16. Johnny Matthews (16)
17. Nathan McBeth (1)
18. Murray McCallum (3)
19. Lewis Bean (10)
20. Kiran McDonald (38)
21. Jamie Dobie (24)
22. Domingo Miotti (0)
23. Nick Grigg (94)

Unavailable for selection: Simon Berghan, Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings, Peter Horne, Tom Lambert, Ewan McQuillin.