Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has made three changes to his starting XV for tomorrow night’s Investec Champions Cup Quarter Final against Leinster, as his side look to reach the last four of Europe’s elite competition for the first time.
All three of the alterations come in the pack, as the Warriors look to build on last weekend’s impressive 43-19 victory over Leicester Tigers in front of a sold out Scotstoun.
Rory Darge returns to the starting line up having made an impact off the bench against the Tigers. He starts at openside flanker with Sione Vailanu switching to number 8 and Matt Fagerson retaining his spot on the blindside.
Sam Talakai is promoted from the bench to start at tighthead, replacing Zander Fagerson who is going through return to play protocols having begun to experience concussion symptoms after the game last Saturday.
Nathan McBeth continues to start at loosehad, fresh from being named McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for March with Johnny Matthews completing the front row.
Alex Samuel starts in the engine room, partnering Gregor Brown with JP Du Preez dropping to the bench.
It is an unchanged back line, with half backs George Horne and Adam Hastings both scoring tries in the Round of 16 victory.
Tom Jordan and Stafford McDowall continue their centre partnership in the midfield and Jamie Dobie, Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe complete the back-three.
Patrick Schickerling comes onto the bench, joining Grant Stewart and Jamie Bhatti as front row replacements.
Max Williamson returns to be named in a matchday 23 for the first time since getting injured on international duty against South Africa in November.
Euan Ferrie, Ben Afshar and Sebastian Cancelliere will all once again look to make an impact off the bench.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Leinster are a quality outfit. They’ve come very close to winning this competition several years in a row and we know how much it means to them and how motivated they are going to be on Friday night.
“They have a team full of internationals and have only lost one competetive match this season, so we’re aware of the challenge and excited to play against one of the best club sides in the world.
“We have prepared well and are focused on the opportunity to make our own history and will need to be the best version of ourselves to do that.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, Friday 11 April, kick-off 8pm.
1 Nathan McBeth (52)
2 Johnny Matthews (91)
3 Sam Talakai (16)
4 Gregor Brown (33)
5 Alex Samuel (33)
6 Matt Fagerson (125)
7 Rory Darge (60)
8 Sione Vailanu (31)
9 George Horne (133)
10 Adam Hastings (63)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (85)
12 Tom Jordan (64)
13 Stafford McDowall (87)
14 Jamie Dobie (82)
15 Kyle Rowe (31)
Replacements
16 Grant Stewart (59)
17 Jamie Bhatti (118)
18 Patrick Schickerling (8)
19 JP du Preez (29)
20 Max Williamson (25)
21 Euan Ferrie (32)
22 Ben Afshar (19)
23 Sebastian Cancelliere (54)
Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Jack Dempsey (hamstring), Zander Fagerson (head), Huw Jones (ankle), Josh McKay (ankle), Rory Sutherland (shoulder), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Duncan Weir (shoulder).
Criss Cross
When a batsman scores 100 runs, it’s called a century and is considered an achievement.
Gentle Avenger
Sport Trivia: Who won the WBA junior lightweight title in 1986 and sucessfully defended it 12 times? Answer: Brian Mitchell. He started his boxing career in 1981, and the majority of his fights were abroad due to the political status in South Africa. He finished his career with 46 wins, one loss and two draws. His 12 successful defences of the junior-lightweight title are a record for that boxing division.