Glasgow change seven for Toulon clash

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has made seven changes to the starting XV that claimed a bonus-point victory over Sale Sharks last weekend, as his side head to the south of France for a clash with French heavyweights RC Toulon this Sunday.

It will be the third meeting in as many seasons between the two squads, the Warriors having claimed the spoils at Scotstoun in January 2024 after Toulon’s triumph in the 2023 EPCR Challenge Cup Final.

Sam Talakai is the sole change to the front-row that started at Scotstoun last weekend, as the Australian international comes in to join Jamie Bhatti and Gregor Hiddleston at the coal face.

Jare Oguntibeju starts his third successive match in the second-row, partnering Alex Samuel in the engine room for the trip to the Stade Felix Mayol.

Jack Mann comes into the back-row for his first European start since December 2022’s away victory over Bath, Henco Venter shifting to blindside to accommodate the former Scotland U20 cap in a back-row completed by Rory Darge.

Behind the scrum, there’s a first-ever European start for Ben Afshar at scrum-half, with the experienced figure of Duncan Weir – the lone survivor from Glasgow’s first-ever meeting with the French squad back in 2013 – lining up outside him in the number 10 jersey.

Sione Tuipulotu once again leads the side from the centres, as Stafford McDowall comes into the starting lineup to partner his skipper in the midfield.

The lone change to the back-three comes on the wing, with Jamie Dobie replacing Sebastian Cancelliere in a trio rounded out by Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay.

Five of Glasgow’s starting XV from last weekend’s victory rotate to the bench, including last Saturday’s hat-trick hero and Investec Player of the Match, George Horne.

The scrum-half is joined by Tom Jordan in covering the back-line, as the Warriors once again opt for a six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements.

Zander and Matt Fagerson join Scott Cummings as the forwards rotating to the bench after starting in round one, the later having touched down for one of Glasgow’s six tries at Scotstoun last Saturday.

Johnny Matthews and Rory Sutherland complete the front-row cover, with Angus Fraser selected amongst the replacements for a third fixture in succession.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “This weekend presents another challenge for this group, as we face a side with a strong pedigree in European competition.

“Toulon come into the match in great form, having played some excellent rugby to overcome the Stormers last weekend.

“They will also be looking to defend their proud record in front of a passionate home support, making it a challenge we look forward to facing on Sunday.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face RC Toulon at Stade Felix Mayol, Sunday 15 December, kick-off 3.15pm UK time. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports or follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (110)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (16)
3 Sam Talakai (7)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (2)
5 Alex Samuel (22)
6 Henco Venter (27)
7 Rory Darge (54)
8 Jack Mann (3)

9 Ben Afshar (11)
10 Duncan Weir (154)
11 Kyle Rowe (24)
12 Stafford McDowall (82)
13 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (61)
14 Jamie Dobie (75)
15 Josh McKay (56)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (81)
17 Rory Sutherland (5)
18 Zander Fagerson (155)
19 Scott Cummings (132)
20 Matt Fagerson (118)
21 Angus Fraser (14)
22 George Horne (125)
23 Tom Jordan (57)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), Ally Miller (thigh), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)