Glasgow Warriors | Glasgow team to face Vodacom Bulls
Share

Next article
Previous article
Got an opinion?
Discuss this article in the comments section or register with the glasgowwarriors.com forum.

Search this site

May 10, 2024

Glasgow team to face Vodacom Bulls

Posted by Editor on May 10, 2024 04:38 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Murphy Walker signed a new deal this week
Franco Smith has named his Glasgow side for this weekend's Kids Round clash with the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in the BKT United Rugby Championship (KO 1.00pm, UK time).

Murphy Walker in Pretoria tomorrow afternoon, after the prop was selected to start

Murphy Walker - who will make his first appearance for Glasgow Warriors since December 2022 - is part of a starting XV showing 11 changes from the 40-9 victory over Zebre Parma last time out, as Franco Smith's squad go in search of a first win on South African soil since 2018.

Walker is part of an all-new starting pack, with fellow Scotland prop Jamie Bhatti returning from an injury sustained back in February to pack down in the front-row alongside Grant Stewart, who makes his 50th appearance in Glasgow colours.

Scott Cummings starts in the second-row after being introduced early on in the win over Zebre Parma, whilst Gregor Brown comes in to pack down alongside the Scotland standout in the engine room.

Rory Darge is another to return from a short injury layoff as the openside takes his place in the back-row, Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey making it an all-international loose-forward trio.

Behind the scrum, George Horne and Tom Jordan combine in the half-backs, the former's try in Parma last time out having moved him into third place on the club's all-time try-scoring charts.

The midfield combination is unchanged, as Sione Tuipulotu - another to run out for his 50th appearance in Glasgow colours - and Stafford McDowall dove-tail once more in the centres.

Club captain Kyle Steyn and Josh McKay continue on the wings, whilst Sebastian Cancelliere comes into the back-three in place of Kyle Rowe to round out the starting XV.

Johnny Matthews returns from an injury sustained against the Hollywoodbets Sharks three weeks ago to line up amongst the replacements, the league's top try-scorer joining Nathan McBeth and Zander Fagerson as the front-row reserves tomorrow afternoon.

Former Scotland U20 colleagues Max Williamson and Euan Ferrie are selected as part of a six-two split of forwards and backs, with Henco Venter covering the back-row from the replacements bench.

The back-line is covered by Jamie Dobie and Duncan Weir, the former having made his debut in South Africa in the first match of the 2019/20 season away to the Toyota Cheetahs.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: "Training this week has been highly competitive, with everyone focused on producing our best performance tomorrow afternoon.

"The Bulls provide one of the sternest tests in the URC; they have one of the strongest home records in the competition at Loftus Versfeld, as well as a blend of physical forwards and dynamic backs.

"We know that we will need to be at our best to compete tomorrow, and everyone is looking forward to the challenge."

Glasgow Warriors

15 Josh McKay (44)

14 Kyle Steyn (Captain) (72)
13 Stafford McDowall (76)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (49)
11 Sebastian Cancelliere (33)

10 Tom Jordan (44)
9 George Horne (113)

1 Jamie Bhatti (100)
2 Grant Stewart (49)
3 Murphy Walker (11)
4 Gregor Brown (17)
5 Scott Cummings (120)
6 Matt Fagerson (105)
7 Rory Darge (42)
8 Jack Dempsey (44)

Substitutes

16 Johnny Matthews (67)
17 Nathan McBeth (38)
18 Zander Fagerson (143)
19 Max Williamson (14)
20 Euan Ferrie (15)
21 Henco Venter (16)
22 Jamie Dobie (62)
23 Duncan Weir (147)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), Facundo Cordero (ribs), Richie Gray (bicep), Gregor Hiddleston (calf), Huw Jones (hand), JP du Preez (knee), Alex Samuel (head), Ollie Smith (knee), Logan Trotter (thigh), George Turner (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee).