Wilson returns to captain side for Zebre test

Ryan Wilson will captain Glasgow Warriors for the first time this season, as the back-rower returns to lead the side out against Zebre in Parma tomorrow afternoon.

The 30-year-old
is one of eight changes to the starting XV that ran out against Southern Kings
at Scotstoun, which sees four further Scotland squad members return to club
duty following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Fraser Brown
comes into the side at hooker, packing down between two of last weekend’s
try-scorers in Oli Kebble and Zander Fagerson.

Having
played a part in all four of Scotland’s matches in Japan, Scott Cummings comes
back into the Glasgow fold to partner Tim Swinson in the second-row.

Chris Fusaro makes his 100th start for the club by joining the returning Wilson on
the flanks, with Matt Fagerson the sole surviving member of the back-row.

George Horne
and Adam Hastings continue at half-back, with the latter having contributed
four conversions to the 50-0 victory at Scotstoun last weekend.

A new-look
centre partnership sees Sam Johnson start in the number 12 jersey, with Kyle Steyn
running out at 13 for the first time in the new campaign.

After his
try-scoring cameo from the bench last weekend, Ratu Tagive starts for the
Warriors for the first time in 20 months, with DTH van der Merwe retaining his
place on the other wing.

Tommy Seymour
completes the starting line-up, as the Scotland international comes into the
side at full-back.

The
front-row replacements are unchanged from the victory over the Kings, with
George Turner, Alex Allan and D’arcy Rae all retaining their place in the
matchday 23.

Cummings’
inclusion sees Kiran McDonald rotate to the bench, with Tom Gordon wearing the
number 20 shirt.

Nick Frisby joins
the replacements after missing last weekend’s win, with Ruaridh Jackson and Huw
Jones rounding out the squad.

Speaking about
his selection, Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “We’re keen to get
some of the international boys some footy before Europe and freshen up a
handful of guys who have played quite a bit for us recently.

“Tommy
(Seymour) played well for us at 15 in a big game in Europe last season, and we
feel he has the skill set to put in another strong performance in the position
this weekend.

“Zebre
are a handful. We’re well aware of the threats they pose. They’re prepared to
play a bit of rugby and have a smart kicking game, so we’ll have to be alert to
all of that.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Zebre in the Guinness PRO14, Saturday 9 November, kick-off 3pm (UK time), live on FreeSports. You can follow the game in the Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets.

1: Oli Kebble (36)
2: Fraser Brown (90)
3: Zander Fagerson (82)
4: Tim Swinson (131)
5: Scott Cummings (57)
6: Ryan Wilson (C) (154)
7: Chris Fusaro (169)
8: Matt Fagerson (53)

9: George Horne (43)
10: Adam Hastings (33)
11: DTH van der Merwe (116)
12: Sam Johnson (52)
13: Kyle Steyn (14)
14: Ratu Tagive (6)
15: Tommy Seymour (132)

16: George Turner (35)
17: Alex Allan (95)
18: D’arcy Rae (66)
19: Kiran McDonald (21)
20: Tom Gordon (7)
21: Nick Frisby (17)
22: Ruaridh Jackson (155)
23: Huw Jones (25)

Not available due to injury: Siua Halanukonuka (calf), Pete Horne (calf), Lee Jones (hamstring), Sean Kennedy (foot), Ali Price (foot), Grant Stewart (back),
Jale Vakalaloma (shoulder).