Team named for regular-season finale

• 21 Apr 2023

Stafford McDowall will lead out Glasgow Warriors for tomorrow night’s BKT United Rugby Championship Round 18 meeting with Connacht, as Scotstoun plays host to the final match of the 2022/23 regular season.

Having secured a home quarter-final in the competition courtesy of last weekend’s victory over the Scarlets, the Warriors will be looking to continue their momentum as they look to extend their unbeaten run at home to 17 consecutive matches.

An all-international front-row sees Argentinian prop Lucio Sordoni start at tight-head, joining Scotland pair Allan Dell and Fraser Brown at the coal face.

Scott Cummings and Richie Gray start in the second-row, the pair having made an impact off the bench in last Friday’s win over the Scarlets.

Sione Vailanu shifts to the openside to accommodate the returning Jack Dempsey at number eight, Rory Darge completing the back-row by slotting in on the blindside flank.

The half-backs are unchanged from last Friday’s win, meaning Ali Price and Tom Jordan once again combine in the nine and 10 jerseys.

Sam Johnson starts alongside skipper McDowall in the midfield, the pair having shut down the Scarlets attack to good effect in the driving rain at Scotstoun.

Jamie Dobie is the only alteration to the backline in the week in which he put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club, replacing club captain Kyle Steyn on the wing in a back-three completed by Cole Forbes and Huw Jones.

After his Player of the Match-winning display last time out, Zander Fagerson rotates to the bench to join Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews as the front-row cover.

JP du Preez and Lewis Bean do likewise after starting against the Scarlets, with Matt Fagerson covering the back-row in a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench.

George Horne comes into the matchday squad after being rested last time out, whilst Domingo Miotti wears the number 23 jersey to complete the cohort of replacements.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org; “We were pleased to earn a win in challenging conditions last week, and our focus is now to maintain our recent momentum tomorrow night.

“Connacht will pose a strong test, and will come here looking to play their brand of rugby.

“We look forward to the challenge and to running out in front of our home supporters tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Connacht at Scotstoun, Saturday 22 April, kick-off 7.35pm. Tickets are still available here.

1 Allan Dell (4)
2 Fraser Brown (138)
3 Lucio Sordoni (14)
4 Scott Cummings (102)
5 Richie Gray (98)
6 Rory Darge (28)
7 Sione Vailanu (16)
8 Jack Dempsey (35)

9 Ali Price (126)
10 Tom Jordan (21)
11 Jamie Dobie (50)
12 Sam Johnson (103)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (53)
14 Cole Forbes (37)
15 Huw Jones (56)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (46)
17 Jamie Bhatti (85)
18 Zander Fagerson (124)
19 JP du Preez (21)
20 Lewis Bean (37)
21 Matt Fagerson (91)
22 George Horne (95)
23 Domingo Miotti (18)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (knee), Sintu Manjezi (knee), Jack Mann (head), Josh McKay (foot), Cameron Neild (calf), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Ross Thompson (foot), Sione Tuipulotu (shoulder), George Turner (shoulder)