Scotland stars return for Montpellier test

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson has made 10 changes to his starting XV ahead of tomorrow night’s Challenge Cup clash with Montpellier, including a return for nine Scotland internationals following their heroics in Paris last weekend.

A line-up containing 13 players to have represented their country will take to the field ahead of kick-off at GGL Stadium tomorrow night, with a further six internationals waiting to make an impact from the replacements bench under the Friday night lights.

Oli Kebble and Zander Fagerson are amongst the international contingent returning to Glasgow duty this weekend, as the prop duo pack down either side of club co-captain Fraser Brown in the front-row.

An experienced second-row partnership sees Richie Gray – well versed in meetings with Montpellier after his spells in the TOP14 with Castres and Toulouse – lining up alongside the club’s most-experienced player Rob Harley.

Thomas Gordon returns to the starting XV after coming off the bench in Saturday’s win over Benetton, Tongan international Fotu Lokotui shifting to the blindside in a back-row completed by co-captain Ryan Wilson.

Ali Price and Adam Hastings combine in the half-backs after orchestrating Scotland’s last-gasp comeback in Paris a week ago, with the latter set to make his 50^th appearance for the club.

Nick Grigg once again starts in the 13 jersey after a try-scoring performance against Benetton, as Sam Johnson slots into the lineup to partner him in the midfield.

Rufus McLean will make his European debut after being named on the wing, joining Lee and Huw Jones in a dangerous back-three.

On the bench, George Turner completes the returning Scotland contingent after an impressive Guinness Six Nations campaign, with Dylan Evans and Enrique Pieretto providing the cover at prop.

Leone Nakarawa will wear the 19 jersey, whilst last weekend’s Player of the Match TJ Ioane is primed to make an impact from the replacements.

After crossing the whitewash on his return from injury last weekend to move into the top-five in the club’s all-time try-scoring charts, George Horne will be looking to replicate the feat this weekend having scored on his last meeting with Montpellier in 2017.

Ross Thompson will be another to make his European debut should he come off the bench tomorrow night, whilst Niko Matawalu rounds out the Glasgow matchday 23.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “It’s good to welcome the Scotland internationals back into our group this week.

“We have had a few difficult selection decisions for the weekend.

“We wanted to put our best players out on the park and at the same time reward those who have been performing well for us.

“Tomorrow is a big game for us, against a big team, and our boys are up for the challenge.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup, Friday 2 April, kick-off 8pm, live on BT Sport ESPN. You can follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli Kebble (55)
2. Fraser Brown (104)
3. Zander Fagerson (97)
4. Richie Gray (57)
5. Rob Harley (246)
6. Fotu Lokotui (9)
7. Thomas Gordon (33)
8. Ryan Wilson (186)

9. Ali Price (93)
10. Adam Hastings (49)
11. Lee Jones (90)
12. Sam Johnson (68)
13. Nick Grigg (85)
14. Rufus McLean (6)
15. Huw Jones (48)

16. George Turner (56)
17. Dylan Evans (5)
18. Enrique Pieretto (15)
19. Leone Nakarawa (78)
20. TJ Ioane (12)
21. George Horne (61)
22. Ross Thompson (8)
23. Niko Matawalu (135)

Unavailable for selection: Alex Allan, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Cole Forbes, Chris Fusaro, Kiran McDonald, Aki Seiuli, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn, Ratu Tagive.