Two changes for Glasgow in 1872 Cup decider

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has made two changes to the starting XV that earned a bonus-point win over Edinburgh last weekend, as his side head to Scottish Gas Murrayfield for tomorrow afternoon’s 1872 Cup decider against the capital outfit.

A five-try display saw the Warriors claim a 33-14 victory over their cross-country rivals at Hampden Park last Sunday, as a club-record crowd of 27,538 roared their team to victory on Glasgow’s southside.

One of the changes comes in the front-row, as Gregor Hiddleston replaces Johnny Matthews to pack down between Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson up front.

An unchanged second-row sees Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown paired once more in the engine room, the former having provided the assist for Glasgow’s fifth and final try at Hampden Park last time out.

The back-row is similarly unaltered, meaning Ally Miller and Matt Fagerson once again line up either side of Jack Mann, the number eight featuring in a Glasgow Warriors matchday 23 for the fifth successive fixture.

Jamie Dobie is the only change to the back-line that started last Sunday’s clash at Hampden, as the scrum-half – the beneficiary of Cummings’ assist for the fifth try last weekend – starts alongside Tom Jordan in the half-backs.

Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones continue as the centre combination, the latter having also touched down for a score in the first leg.

Kyle Steyn captains the side from the wing after returning from injury that saw him make more metres and beat more defenders than any other player last weekend – in addition to scoring a try of his own -, lining up in a back-three rounded out by Sebastian Cancelliere and Kyle Rowe.

Rory Darge returns to action after completing his return to play protocols following a head injury sustained against Toulon, the openside part of a six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements.

Sam Talakai comes into the matchday 23 after missing out at Hampden last weekend, the Australian international joining Rory Sutherland and Grant Stewart as the front-row cover.

Alex Samuel wears the number 19 shirt, whilst Angus Fraser once again offers cover in the back-row for tomorrow’s clash.

The backs are covered by George Horne and Duncan Weir, the former rotating to the bench after starting at Hampden Park last time out.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We expect a strong response from Edinburgh after last weekend, and we know that we must keep focusing on ourselves and our own processes in order to meet that challenge.

“Every player wants to be involved in derby matches, especially in front of a crowd such as the one awaiting us in Edinburgh tomorrow.

“We’re excited the test that lies in wait for us, and we look forward to meeting that test head-on.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Edinburgh at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Saturday 28 December, kick-off 3pm. 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 (112)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (18)
3 Zander Fagerson (157)
4 Gregor Brown (27)
5 Scott Cummings (134)
6 Ally Miller (31)
7 Matt Fagerson (120)
8 Jack Mann (5)

9 Jamie Dobie (77)
10 Tom Jordan (59)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (80)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (63)
13 Huw Jones (76)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (45)
15 Kyle Rowe (26)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (53)
17 Rory Sutherland (7)
18 Sam Talakai (8)
19 Alex Samuel (24)
20 Rory Darge (55)
21 Angus Fraser (16)
22 George Horne (127)
23 Duncan Weir (156)

Unavailable for selection: Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Johnny Matthews (knee), Nathan McBeth (calf), Stafford McDowall (suspension), JP du Preez (knee), Jare Oguntibeju (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Henco Venter (head), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 24th league game)
AR 1: Hollie Davidson (SRU)  AR 2: Jonny Perriam (SRU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)