Price named captain for Stormers clash

Ali Price will lead Glasgow Warriors in tomorrow evening’s crucial United Rugby Championship clash, as Danny Wilson’s men go head to head with the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

The scrum-half is part of a lineup showing five changes from last weekend’s 27-17 victory over Newcastle Falcons, with the Warriors knowing that a win over tomorrow’s hosts would secure them a place in the URC knockout stages.

Having started on the bench in Newcastle, British and Irish Lions tight-head Zander Fagerson is promoted to the starting XV to join Oli Kebble – who takes on his former team for the first time – and Johnny Matthews in the front-row.

Kiran McDonald comes into the second-row in place of the injured Scott Cummings, with the league leader in lineout steals, Richie Gray, continuing in the engine room.

Rory Darge is the only survivor from the back-row that started at Kingston Park last time out, as Ally Miller and Jack Dempsey complete the breakaway trio.

The half-backs are unchanged, meaning captain Price is joined by fly-half Ross Thompson after steering the ship in Newcastle last Friday.

Similarly, Sam Johnson and Sione Tuipulotu both retain their places in the midfield, continuing the centre partnership that dove-tailed to good effect at Kingston Park.

The only change to the back division comes in the back three as Ollie Smith comes into the starting XV to replace Sebastian Cancelliere, meaning Josh McKay shifts out to the wing to join last week’s Player of the Match, Kyle Steyn.

Jamie Dobie returns to the matchday 23 after missing the meeting with the Falcons, as he plays his first match in South Africa since making his Glasgow Warriors debut in 2019.

Simon Berghan rotate to the bench after starting last time out, joining fellow Scotland internationals George Turner and Jamie Bhatti as the front-row cover.

The vastly experienced figure of Rob Harley wears the number 19 jersey, whilst Thomas Gordon lines up amongst the replacements after an all-action return from injury last weekend.

Duncan Weir covers fly-half, with Cole Forbes returning to the matchday 23 to round out the replacements.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “After a strong showing against Newcastle last weekend, we’re looking forward to another challenging test against the Stormers tomorrow night.

“With four players returning to the squad we know we’ll need to be at our best against a strong Stormers team.

“The Stormers will name a very strong team with an abundance of pace and a strong forward pack. Despite having a limited training week, due to travel, the boy are fresh and looking forward to taking them on in Cape Town.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium, Friday 22 April, kick-off 5.30pm (UK time), live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow all the action as it happens on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli Kebble (73)
2. Johnny Matthews (27)
3. Zander Fagerson (110)
4. Richie Gray (78)
5. Kiran McDonald (50)
6. Ally Miller (11)
7. Rory Darge (18)
8. Jack Dempsey (17)

9. Ali Price (C) (106)
10. Ross Thompson (32)
11. Kyle Steyn (48)
12. Sam Johnson (88)
13. Sione Tuipulotu (15)
14. Josh McKay (10)
15. Ollie Smith (15)

16. George Turner (72)
17. Jamie Bhatti (62)
18. Simon Berghan (8)
19. Rob Harley (262)
20. Thomas Gordon (48)
21. Jamie Dobie (33)
22. Duncan Weir (122)
23. Cole Forbes (21)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, George Horne, Rufus McLean, Ryan Wilson.