Three alterations for Leicester Tigers showdown

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 29: Warriors' JP du Preez runs out onto the pitch during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Emirates Lions at Scotstoun Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

All three of the alterations come in the pack, as the Warriors look to continue the momentum built by last weekend’s 42-0 victory over the Emirates Lions on Plaster It Purple night.

Two of the changes come in the front-row, as Johnny Matthews and Zander Fagerson are promoted from the bench to start alongside Nathan McBeth, scorer of four tries in four successive matches.

An unchanged second-row sees Gregor Brown and JP du Preez start in the engine room, the latter set for his first-ever start in the Investec Champions Cup in Glasgow Warriors colours.

Matt Fagerson comes into the back-row to start on the blindside, as Sione Vailanu and Henco Venter – a late inclusion in the starting XV last weekend – complete the starting pack.

Fresh from breaking the club’s all-time try-scoring chart and signing a new contract with the club, George Horne is retained at scrum-half, whilst Adam Hastings – who went six from six from the tee last weekend – continues at fly-half.

Tom Jordan and Stafford McDowall continue their centre partnership in the midfield, with both men having featured in all five of Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations clashes earlier this year.

Jamie Dobie once again starts on the wing after a two-try, Player of the Match-winning performance last Saturday, as he joins captain Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe in the back-three.

Grant Stewart and Sam Talakai rotate to the bench after starting at Scotstoun last Saturday, as does Euan Ferrie in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

Jamie Bhatti comes in to the matchday 23 to join Stewart and Talakai as the front-row cover, whilst Alex Samuel and Rory Darge complete the cohort of forwards amongst the replacements.

The back-line is covered once again by Ben Afshar and Sebastian Cancelliere, with both men having made an impact off the bench last time out.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We are excited by the prospect to play our first-ever Champions Cup knockout match at home in front of what will be a sold-out Scotstoun tomorrow night.

“Leicester have a proud pedigree in this competition, and their results both in the Premiership and in Europe this season have shown that they can cause problems for any team.

“Training has been sharp and focused this week with everyone putting their hand up for selection, and we look forward to the challenge tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Leicester Tigers at Scotstoun, Saturday 5 April, kick-off 8pm. Limited tickets are still available – click here.

1 Nathan McBeth (51)
2 Johnny Matthews (90)
3 Zander Fagerson (161)
4 Gregor Brown (32)
5 JP du Preez (28)
6 Matt Fagerson (124)
7 Sione Vailanu (30)
8 Henco Venter (33)

9 George Horne (132)
10 Adam Hastings (62)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (84)
12 Tom Jordan (63)
13 Stafford McDowall (86)
14 Jamie Dobie (81)
15 Kyle Rowe (30)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (58)
17 Jamie Bhatti (117)
18 Sam Talakai (15)
19 Alex Samuel (32)
20 Euan Ferrie (31)
21 Rory Darge (59)
22 Ben Afshar (18)
23 Sebastian Cancelliere (53)

Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Jack Dempsey (hamstring), Huw Jones (ankle), Josh McKay (ankle), Rory Sutherland (shoulder), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Duncan Weir (shoulder), Max Williamson (hand).

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
AR1: Ben Breakspear (WRU)
AR2: Gareth Newman (WRU)
TMO: Adam Jones (WRU)