Glasgow Warriors: 10 changes ahead of Bath clash

A Glasgow Warriors team showing 10 changes will run out under the Friday night lights against Bath tomorrow, as Franco Smith’s squad goes in search of a home knockout tie in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

A single match point will be enough for the Warriors to secure a home fixture in the last-16 of the competition, with Smith’s men defending an unbeaten run at Scotstoun stretching back a full twelve months.

Player of the Match in Perpignan last weekend, Johnny Matthews retains his place in the front-row, with international duo Jamie Bhatti and Lucio Sordoni packing down either side of the hooker.

Alex Samuel is promoted to the starting XV after coming off the bench last weekend, partnering the experienced figure of Richie Gray in the engine room.

Euan Ferrie continues at blindside flanker, whilst Sione Vailanu and Matt Fagerson come into the back-row after being rested for last weekend’s trip to France.

Behind the scrum, an all-new half-back pairing sees Ali Price line up inside Tom Jordan, who will be making his first European appearance at Scotstoun tomorrow night.

Fresh from signing a contract extension earlier this week, Sione Tuipulotu comes in to start at outside centre, joining Huw Jones – a try-scorer in the reverse fixture at The Rec back in December – in the midfield.

Josh McKay is the only member of the back-line to retain his place from last weekend’s win over Perpignan, as club captain Kyle Steyn and Sebastian Cancelliere come in to start on the wings.

On the bench, Thomas Gordon is set to make his first appearance at Scotstoun since returning to the squad after injury last time out, as Smith opts for a six-two split of forwards and backs.

Nathan McBeth rotates to the bench after making his first start for the club last weekend, joining Simon Berghan and George Turner as the front-row cover.

Lewis Bean retains his place amongst the replacements, with JP du Preez joining him as cover for the tight-five.

George Horne and Duncan Weir complete the replacements, the latter having come off the bench in Perpignan last weekend.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Head Coach Smith said: “It’s important for us to keep our momentum going into a match against a strong opponent.

“As always, we know we still need to improve on aspects of our game and its good for some players who weren’t involved last weekend to come in and pull on our jersey.

“We love playing in front of the Warrior Nation and we look forward to running out tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Bath at Scotstoun, Friday 20 January, kick-off 8pm. You can watch the match live on Viaplay Sports, or follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (79)
2 Johnny Matthews (37)
3 Lucio Sordoni (8)
4 Alex Samuel (3)
5 Richie Gray (94)
6 Euan Ferrie (5)
7 Sione Vailanu (8)
8 Matt Fagerson (87)

9 Ali Price (120)
10 Tom Jordan (12)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (58)
12 Huw Jones (52)
13 Sione Tuipulotu (30)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (20)
15 Josh McKay (22)

Replacements

16 George Turner (87)
17 Nathan McBeth (13)
18 Simon Berghan (2)
19 JP du Preez (12)
20 Lewis Bean (28)
21 Thomas Gordon (58)
22 George Horne (90)
23 Duncan Weir (129)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (head), Gregor Brown (foot), Scott Cummings (foot), Rory Darge (ankle), Zander Fagerson (hamstring), Oli Kebble (shoulder), Sintu Manjezi (knee), Jack Mann (head), Domingo Miotti (back), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Ross Thompson (ankle), Murphy Walker (neck), Ryan Wilson (knee).