URC: Glasgow v Lions: seven changes for hosts as Six Nations stars return
03/28/2025 08:22 AM
GLASGOW WARRIORS head coach Franco Smith has made seven changes to his starting XV ahead of tomorrow [Saturday] night’s URC clash against Emirates Lions at Scotstoun.
Scotland squad members Jamie Dobie and Tom Jordan are the two new faces in the back-line, with Dobie playing in his secondary position on the wing and not covering scrum-half as Ben Afshar is named on the bench.
Meanwhile, Nathan McBeth, Grant Stewart, Sam Talakai, Gregor Brown and JP Du Preez pack down in a completely re-cast front-five.
Tom Jordan opens up on Glasgow exit but vows to go out on a high
URC: Edinburgh v Dragons: big guns back for must-win clash
Arnold Clark Men's Premiership: Friday night lights at Mansfield Park
Scotland and British and Irish Lions props Rory Sutherland and Zander Fagerson, along with Scotland co-captain Rory Darge, return from their post-Six Nations to offer punch off the bench. Sebastian Cancelliere, who was Player of the Match in last weekend’s win over Munster, is also a replacement.
"We know that another stern test awaits us tomorrow night, as we look to back up a hard-earned result last weekend,” said Smith.
"The Lions play a brand of rugby unlike any other in the competition, with a highly physical forward pack complementing a backline that has the potential to cause problems from anywhere on the field.
"We look forward to facing that challenge with the Warrior Nation behind us, as we also throw our support behind Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity on ‘Plaster It Purple’ night."
Club sponsors, Leidos, got the fundraising ball rolling by pledging £7,500 to the cause ahead of kick-off.
Glasgow Warriors (versus Lions at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday @ 7.35pm – live on Premier Sports): K Rowe; J Dobie, S McDowall, T Jordan, K Steyn ©; A Hastings, G Horne; N McBeth, G Stewart, S Talakai, G Brown, J Du Preez, E Ferrie, S Vialanu, J Mann. Subs: J Matthews, R Sutherland, Z Fagerson, A Samuel, H Venter, R Darge, B Afshar, S Cancelliere.
Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Jack Dempsey (hamstring), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle), Huw Jones (ankle), Josh McKay (ankle), Ollie Smith (shoulder), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Duncan Weir (shoulder), Max Williamson (hand).
- Wyre is a leading provider of electric vehicles to football clubs in the UK and delighted to be moving into the Scottish rugby club environment.
- Wyre provides vehicles via an innovative Salary Sacrifice scheme that allows employers to save an average of £1500 per year for every employee on the scheme.
- Wyre puts, on average, £4000 per year back in employee's pockets through tax savings.
- Wyre you waiting, find out more at https://www.trywyre.com
The post URC: Glasgow v Lions: seven changes for hosts as Six Nations stars return appeared first on Scottish Rugby News from The Offside Line.
