Six changes to starting XV for home 1872 Cup tie
Dave Rennie has made six changes to his starting XV as Glasgow Warriors prepare to face Edinburgh for the second time in seven days.
The capital side won the opening fixture 23-7 at BT Murrayfield and tomorrow’s sold out game at Scotstoun is the second of three derby games this season with the teams facing off again in Glasgow in April.
Alex Dunbar is involved for the first time since starting against Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup back in October.
He starts in midfield alongside Pete Horne who made his 150th appearance for the club in Edinburgh last weekend.
Ali Price starts alongside Adam Hastings and Niko Matawalu also comes into the starting XV, with Tommy Seymour and Stuart Hogg completing the back-line.
Co-captain Ryan Wilson returns and fellow skipper Callum Gibbins joins him in the back-row alongside Matt Fagerson.
Tim Swinson is brought in to join Jonny Gray in the second-row while D’Arcy Rae starts at tight-head. Oli Kebble and Grant Stewart are the other front row forwards
On the bench, Sam Johnson has recovered from a knee injury sustained against Munster in October to be involved in the matchday 23.
Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “Defensively we played well last weekend but we didn’t ask enough questions of Edinburgh in attack. We’re going to have to be better in that department tomorrow.
“We’re in a position where we can replace quality with quality. Five of the six players we’re bringing in to the starting line-up are internationals, all six have played over 50 games for the club and four are centurions. We’ve named a very strong side.
“It’s also a positive to welcome Sam (Johnson) back to the mix. He’s battled a bit this season so we’re looking forward to seeing him get back out there and do what he does best.
Glasgow Warriors team to play Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14, 1872 Cup (second leg) at Scotstoun Stadium, Saturday 29 December, kick-off 3pm – live on Premier Sports 1. You can follow the game on Twitter @GlasgowWarriors. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets:
1. Oli Kebble (22)
2. Grant Stewart (13)
3. D’Arcy Rae (53)
4. Tim Swinson (117)
5. Jonny Gray (96)
6. Ryan Wilson (CC) (147)
7. Callum Gibbins (CC) (28)
8. Matt Fagerson (37)
9. Ali Price (67)
10. Adam Hastings (20)
11. Niko Matawalu (104)
12. Pete Horne (150)
13. Alex Dunbar (117)
14. Tommy Seymour (124)
15. Stuart Hogg (112)
Replacements
16. Kevin Bryce (17)
17. Jamie Bhatti (35)
18. Siua Halanukonuka (21)
19. Rob Harley (197)
20. Chris Fusaro (154)
21. George Horne (31)
22. Sam Johnson (42)
23. DTH van der Merwe (110)
Not available due to injury: Fraser Brown (knee), Zander Fagerson (ankle), Rory Hughes (shoulder), Huw Jones (chest), Lee Jones (knee), Lelia Masaga (calf), Kiran McDonald (calf) and George Turner (ankle).