Nine changes ahead of Zebre Parma encounter

• 26 Apr 2024

A Glasgow Warriors side showing nine changes will run out at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi tomorrow afternoon, as Franco Smith’s side look to continue their pursuit of a top-four finish in the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

Last weekend’s 21-10 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks, combined with other results around the competition, saw the Warriors consolidate their position in second place in the standings, as the race for a home knockout tie intensifies.

An all-new front-row sees Gregor Hiddleston and Lucio Sordoni promoted from last week’s replacements bench to start in Parma, with Allan Dell coming into the starting XV to complete the trio.

Max Williamson continues in the second-row after his try-scoring, Player of the Match-winning performance last time out, Sintu Manjezi drawing into the lineup to partner the former Scotland U20 star.

Henco Venter shifts to number eight in the back-row, as Ally Miller and Thomas Gordon line up on the flanks to round out the starting pack.

A new half-back combination sees Jamie Dobie and Ross Thompson start together, the pair having also worn the nine and 10 jerseys during last month’s away victory over Benetton in Treviso.

The midfield combination is unchanged from last weekend’s victory, meaning Sione Tuipulotu and Stafford McDowall are paired together in the centres for the third successive fixture.

Josh McKay’s recovery from illness sees the full-back return to the starting XV in place of Facundo Cordero, Kyle Rowe shifting to the wing in a back-three rounded out by club captain Kyle Steyn.

Grant Stewart is in line to make his first Glasgow Warriors appearance in two years after being named amongst the replacements, the hooker having agreed to return to Scotstoun on a permanent basis earlier this week.

Nathan McBeth and Zander Fagerson rotate to the bench after starting last weekend, having both started Glasgow’s most recent two fixtures.

Scott Cummings is another to switch to the bench as the Scotland international wears the number 19 jersey, whilst a brace of former Scotland U20 internationals complete a six-two split in the form of Euan Ferrie and Gregor Brown.

George Horne and Tom Jordan complete the replacements, the latter having crossed for a try in the win over Benetton on Glasgow’s most recent trip to Italy.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know that we will need to perform at our best in Parma tomorrow to get the better of a dangerous Zebre side.

“They are a much-improved squad this season and have the ability to pose a challenge to any side, especially at home.

“Training has been competitive all week and we look forward to the test tomorrow afternoon.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Saturday 27 April, kick-off 1pm UK time. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Allan Dell (10)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (7)
3 Lucio Sordoni (30)
4 Sintu Manjezi (22)
5 Max Williamson (13)
6 Ally Miller (28)
7 Thomas Gordon (74)
8 Henco Venter (15)

9 Jamie Dobie (61)
10 Ross Thompson (47)
11 Kyle Rowe (14)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (48)
13 Stafford McDowall (75)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (71)
15 Josh McKay (43)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (48)
17 Nathan McBeth (37)
18 Zander Fagerson (142)
19 Scott Cummings (119)
20 Euan Ferrie (14)
21 Gregor Brown (16)
22 George Horne (112)
23 Tom Jordan (43)

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (foot), Fraser Brown (knee), Facundo Cordero (ribs), Rory Darge (ankle), Richie Gray (bicep), Angus Fraser (head), Huw Jones (hand), Oli Kebble (ankle), Johnny Matthews (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Alex Samuel (head), Ollie Smith (knee), Logan Trotter (thigh), George Turner (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee).