Wilson set for 200th appearance

Club co-captain Ryan Wilson will become only the second player in the professional history of Glasgow Warriors to reach a double century of appearances this weekend, should the back-rower come off the bench against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park tomorrow evening.

The 31-year-old is set to join Rob Harley in the exclusive club of those with 200 appearances in Glasgow colours, the pair having made their club debuts in the same match against Leinster at Firhill back in September 2010.

Saturday night under the lights ✨

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Head Coach Danny Wilson makes just the single alteration to the team that claimed a bonus-point victory over the Ospreys last weekend, as Jack Dempsey returns to the back-row as the Warriors go in search of a famous away win at the home of the English heavyweights.

Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson continue as the starting props for the trip to Devon, with George Turner’s all-action display against the Ospreys – the hooker making 55 metres with ball in hand – sees him retain his spot in the front-row.

A similarly unchanged second-row sees the pairing of Scott Cummings and Kiran McDonald selected once more, with both men having also started in the club’s last visit to Sandy Park.

Rory Darge continues at openside, with Matt Fagerson shifting to the blindside to accommodate the return of Dempsey; the Australian’s tally of 31 carries leads all players in the Heineken Champions Cup to date, as the number eight looks to build upon his Player of the Match-winning performance from December’s victory over Exeter at Scotstoun.

Behind the scrum, Ross Thompson lines up outside captain Ali Price in the half-backs, the young number 10 currently sitting third in the competition’s points-scoring standings.

Fresh from his brace against the Ospreys, Sione Tuipulotu starts at outside centre as he continues his partnership with Sam Johnson in the midfield.

Cole Forbes and Kyle Steyn are once again selected on the wings, with Josh McKay’s 25 carries are second only to team-mate Dempsey in the competition’s overall standings.

Having returned to action with a try-scoring cameo last weekend, Fraser Brown makes it a pair of co-captains amongst the replacements for the Warriors this weekend.

Oli Kebble and Enrique Pieretto continue as the replacements at prop, whilst Lewis Bean retains the number 19 jersey.

Wilson rotates to the bench after starting last weekend, with George Horne returning to the matchday 23 after missing out on the victory over the Ospreys.

Duncan Weir provides the cover at fly-half, whilst Sebastian Cancelliere could make his European debut for the club if he comes on to the field tomorrow evening after being named amongst the replacements.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “After a good result on the weekend and a good week’s training, we are really looking forward to resuming our European campaign.

“After a good performance at home against Exeter, we know we’ll need to go up another level to beat them at Sandy Park.

“There is an added motivation to tomorrow’s game with Ryan Wilson being involved in his 200th game for the club. It’s a massive milestone and something we have talked about a lot this week.

Glasgow Warriors team to face Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park, Saturday 15 January, kick-off 5.30pm, live on BT Sport 2. You can also follow the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Jamie Bhatti (56)
2. George Turner (69)
3. Zander Fagerson (106)
4. Scott Cummings (83)
5. Kiran McDonald (41)
6 Matt Fagerson (77)
7. Rory Darge (13)
8. Jack Dempsey (8)

9. Ali Price (C) (102)
10. Ross Thompson (24)
11. Cole Forbes (16)
12. Sam Johnson (81)
13. Sione Tuipulotu (10)
14. Kyle Steyn (40)
15. Josh McKay (4)

16. Fraser Brown (114)
17. Oli Kebble (65)
18. Enrique Pieretto (26)
19. Lewis Bean (13)
20. Ryan Wilson (199)
21. George Horne (73)
22. Duncan Weir (114)
23. Sebastian Cancelliere (2)

Unavailable for selection: Hamish Bain, Richie Gray, Sean Kennedy, Tom Lambert, Ally Miller