Glasgow pick three debutants for Scarlets clash

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has named a matchday 23 containing three potential debutants for tomorrow night’s clash with the Scarlets at Scotstoun, as the BKT United Rugby Championship returns following the international break.

Fin Richardson and Jare Oguntibeju are both set for their first senior appearances in a Glasgow Warriors shirt after being named in the starting XV, with Macenzzie Duncan also set for his club debut from the replacements bench.

The squad is also bolstered by seven returning Scotland internationals following the conclusion of The Famous Grouse Nations Series, as Smith’s men look to continue their fine form under the Friday night lights.

Former Scotland U20 prop Richardson is selected at tight-head after impressive showings for both Glasgow Warriors A and Scotland A since arriving from Exeter Chiefs in the summer, joining fellow summer signing, Patrick Schickerling, and Johnny Matthews in the front-row.

Oguntibeju is selected in the second-row for his first senior Glasgow outing, as the academy second-rower partners Alex Samuel – who made his senior Scotland debut against Portugal a fortnight ago – in the engine room.

The back-row sees a first-ever appearance at Scotstoun for Jack Mann, the number eight set to run out in a Glasgow jersey for the first time since his debut in victory over Bath back in December 2022. Ally Miller is also set for his first outing of the 2024/25 campaign, with Henco Venter completing the pack.

Behind the scrum, George Horne and Adam Hastings are paired in the half-backs, having both impressed during their outings for Scotland in The Famous Grouse Nations Series.

Stafford McDowall captains the side from outside centre, linking up with Tom Jordan in the midfield combination.

The back-three is unchanged from Glasgow’s victory over the DHL Stormers in their most recent BKT URC outing, as Kyle Rowe and Sebastian Cancelliere line up either side of full-back, Josh McKay.

Academy prospect Duncan is part of a six-two split of forwards and backs awaiting their opportunity from the bench, the former Bristol man set for his first run-out for the Warriors.

Allan Dell is in line for a first appearance since April’s victory away to Zebre Parma, as the Scotland loose-head joins Grant Stewart and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover.

Gregor Hiddleston and Angus Fraser are both named amongst the replacement forwards, the duo also both comfortable covering the back-row if required.

The backs are covered by Ben Afshar and Duncan Weir, with the former coming off an impressive outing off the bench for Scotland A in the win over Chile last Saturday.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We’re pleased to be back at home tomorrow night, as we look to hit the ground running in the second block of our season.

“The Scarlets have been in good form this season, and their mix of dynamic forwards and exciting backs can cause problems from anywhere on the field.

“We’re also pleased to include Fin, Jare and Macenzzie in our matchday squad for the first time. All three have worked hard to earn their opportunity, and we look forward to seeing them in action tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Scarlets at Scotstoun, Friday 29 November, kick-off 7.35pm. Tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org

1 Patrick Schickerling (2)
2 Johnny Matthews (79)
3 Fin Richardson (0)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (0)
5 Alex Samuel (20)
6 Ally Miller (29)
7 Henco Venter (25)
8 Jack Mann (1)

9 George Horne (123)
10 Adam Hastings (58)
11 Kyle Rowe (22)
12 Tom Jordan (55)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (81)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (42)
15 Josh McKay (54)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (51)
17 Allan Dell (11)
18 Sam Talakai (5)
19 Macenzzie Duncan (0)
20 Gregor Hiddleston (14)
21 Angus Fraser (12)
22 Ben Afshar (10)
23 Duncan Weir (152)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Nathan McBeth (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).