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January 07, 2022

Glasgow team to take on Ospreys

Posted by Editor on January 7, 2022 11:48 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Tongan winger Walter Fifita is set for his Glasgow debut
Danny Wilson has named his Glasgow team to take on Ospreys at Scotstoun on Saturday (ko 5.15pm).

Walter Fifita could make his first appearance for Warriors tomorrow evening, after the Tongan winger was selected amongst the replacements for the United Rugby Championship clash.

The 24-year-old will become the twelfth player to make his club debut should he come off the bench, a feat that would see him become the first Tongan back to pull on Glasgow colours in the club's professional history.

Head Coach Danny Wilson has named a starting XV showing just two changes from the club's 22-7 victory over Exeter Chiefs for tomorrow's match, both alterations coming in the pack as the club prepares to return to URC action.

An unchanged front-row sees George Turner continue at hooker, with fellow Scotland internationals Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson packing down either side of the 29-year-old.

Kiran McDonald will make his first start of the 2021/22 campaign after being named in the second-row, partnering Scott Cummings in the engine room for the visit of the men from Swansea.

The back-row sees the return of club co-captain Ryan Wilson for the first time since December's win over the Dragons at Scotstoun, as he comes into the side in place of the unavailable Jack Dempsey to join Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson in the starting lineup.

Ali Price retains the captaincy for the third successive match, the scrum-half once again linking up with Ross Thompson in the half-backs.

Sam Johnson and Sione Tuipulotu continue their partnership in the midfield, with the pair having beaten 24 defenders between them in the URC to date this campaign.

Josh McKay makes his fourth consecutive start since linking up with his team-mates at Scotstoun, the full-back flanked once more by Kyle Steyn and Cole Forbes in the back-three.

The bench sees the inclusion of Fraser Brown for the first time since October, the club co-captain returning from a knee injury sustained against Zebre Parma to join Oli Kebble and Enrique Pieretto as the front-row replacements.

Lewis Bean wears the number 19 jersey, whilst Tom Gordon retains his spot in the matchday squad after coming off the bench against Exeter last time out.

Jamie Dobie comes back into the fold after missing out on both of the club's Heineken Champions Cup fixtures, whilst Duncan Weir joins Fifita in rounding out the matchday 23.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: "After a couple of weeks with no game and a good week's training this week, we are really looking forward to getting back to league rugby at Scotstoun tomorrow evening.

"Ospreys are a quality side full of international experience. They sit above us in the league and this will be another huge challenge, but one we're excited about and looking forward to.

"We're pleased to welcome back the experience and leadership of both Ryan Wilson and Fraser Brown, and Walter Fifita has the opportunity to make his first involvement for the club."

Glasgow Warriors

15 Josh McKay

14 Kyle Steyn
13 Sione Tuipulotu
12 Sam Johnson
11 Cole Forbes

10 Ross Thompson
9 Ali Price (Captain)

1 Jamie Bhatti
2 George Turner
3 Zander Fagerson
4 Scott Cummings
5 Kiran McDonald
6 Ryan Wilson
7 Rory Darge
8 Matt Fagerson

Substitutes

16 Fraser Brown
17 Oli Kebble
18 Enrique Pieretto
19 Lewis Bean
20 Tom Gordon
21 Jamie Dobie
22 Duncan Weir
23 Walter Fifita

Unavailable for selection: Simon Berghan, Jack Dempsey, Richie Gray, Robert Harley, Robbie Fergusson, Sean Kennedy, Tom Lambert, Rufus McLean, Ewan McQuillin, Domingo Miotti, Grant Stewart