McDowall returns as captain for Zebre Parma clash

Stafford McDowall will lead Glasgow Warriors out under the Friday night lights at Scotstoun this weekend, after the centre was named as captain upon his return from injury for the visit of Zebre Parma tomorrow night.

The Scotland international is one of seven changes to the starting XV that recorded a bonus-point win away in Cardiff last weekend, as the Warriors run out at Scotstoun for the final time before their South African double-header and the November international window.

An all-international front-row sees Johnny Matthews retained at the coal face as the starting hooker, as Scotland props Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson draw into the starting lineup for tomorrow night’s encounter.

Gregor Brown moves into the second-row after starting last weekend’s clash on the blindside flank, Scott Cummings continuing alongside the Aberdonian in the engine room.

Euan Ferrie takes Brown’s place on the blindside, whilst Rory Darge’s recovery from a head injury sustained against Benetton sees him return at openside in a back-row completed by Jack Dempsey.

Behind the scrum, George Horne and Adam Hastings form the half-back combination, having both also recovered from their respective head injuries to take their places in the starting XV.

McDowall takes the place of last weekend’s captain, Sione Tuipulotu, in the centres, with Huw Jones continuing in the number 13 jersey.

A re-shuffled back-three sees Kyle Rowe move to full-back in place of the rested Josh McKay, as Jamie Dobie and Facundo Cordero line up on the wings to complete the starting lineup.

Grant Stewart is in line for a first appearance of the 2024/25 campaign after being selected amongst the replacements, in what will also be the hooker’s first outing at Scotstoun since returning to the club on a full-time basis at the end of last season.

Patrick Schickerling – who made his competitive Glasgow Warriors debut last weekend – and Nathan McBeth join Stewart as the front-row cover, with Alex Samuel and Max Williamson named in the matchday 23 to continue their respective run of being involved in every matchday squad so far this season.

Henco Venter returns from injury to complete a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench, as Ben Afshar and Tom Jordan round out the squad for tomorrow night’s encounter.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We were pleased to come away with five points from Cardiff last weekend, but we know there are still more levels to come from our performance.

“Zebre have shown this season already that they will be a match for any team, and will compete hard in all areas of the field tomorrow evening.

“We look forward to running out in front of the Warrior Nation tomorrow night, as we look to continue our recent run of results against a tough opponent.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Zebre Parma at Scotstoun, Friday 11 October, kick-off 7.35pm.

1 Jamie Bhatti (108)
2 Johnny Matthews (76)
3 Zander Fagerson (151)
4 Gregor Brown (23)
5 Scott Cummings (128)
6 Euan Ferrie (23)
7 Rory Darge (50)
8 Jack Dempsey (51)

9 George Horne (120)
10 Adam Hastings (55)
11 Facundo Cordero (5)
12 Stafford McDowall (C) (79)
13 Huw Jones (72)
14 Jamie Dobie (71)
15 Kyle Rowe (19)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (50)
17 Nathan McBeth (44)
18 Patrick Schickerling (1)
19 Alex Samuel (18)
20 Max Williamson (22)
21 Henco Venter (22)
22 Ben Afshar (9)
23 Tom Jordan (53)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (foot), Gregor Hiddleston (quad), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Kyle Steyn (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck).

Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant: Mike Adamson
Assistant: Chelsea Gillespie
TMO: Morne Ferreira