Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has made two alterations to the starting XV that will run out at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow afternoon, as his side prepare to take on Leinster in the BKT United Rugby Championship Semi Finals.
A 36-18 triumph over the DHL Stormers last time out earned Glasgow the right to continue their title defence, with the Warriors set for their third visit to Dublin in the space of as many months.
Fin Richardson comes into the starting lineup at tight-head, the former Scotland U20 prop continuing an impressive debut campaign in Glasgow colours by lining up alongside Jamie Bhatti and Gregor Hiddleston in the front-row.
Alex Samuel and Scott Cummings continue as the partnership in the second-row, having combined for three lineout steals in last Friday’s win over the Stormers at Scotstoun.
Euan Ferrie and Rory Darge are once more selected on the flanks after combining superbly for Glasgow’s opening try last time out, with Henco Venter packing down at number eight.
Behind the scrum, Adam Hastings is named at fly-half in the only change to the back-line, the fly-half – who was at the heart of the action in the club’s 2019 win over Leinster at the RDS – joined by George Horne in the half-backs.
Tom Jordan moves to inside centre to accommodate the inclusion of Hastings, partnering Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield for tomorrow afternoon’s clash.
The back-three is unchanged, meaning Kyle Rowe – scorer of a brace of tries last weekend – and captain Kyle Steyn line up either side of full-back, Josh McKay.
Rory Sutherland is set for his first outing in Glasgow Warriors colours since March’s victory over the Emirates Lions, after the 2021 British & Irish Lion was named amongst the replacements.
Johnny Matthews and Sam Talakai join Sutherland as the front-row cover, whilst Max Williamson continues in the number 19 jersey.
Jack Mann and Macenzzie Duncan each retain their places in the matchday 23, after both men came off the bench last Friday night to make their first appearance in a BKT URC playoff match.
The bench is rounded out by Stafford McDowall and Jamie Dobie, the former rotating to the replacements after starting in the centres last time out.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Leinster are the standard setters in this competition. They finished top of the standings for a reason, and have consistently out-performed teams across the course of this season while showing their strength in depth.
“It is a challenge that we know we will need to be at our best to meet, and the players are focused on the task at hand.
“Training this week has been sharp and competitive, with every player working hard for each other to put this squad in the best possible position for tomorrow afternoon.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face Leinster at Aviva Stadium, Saturday 7 June, kick-off 2.45pm. You can follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre, or watch live on Premier Sports.
1 Jamie Bhatti (124)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (26)
3 Fin Richardson (7)
4 Alex Samuel (39)
5 Scott Cummings (141)
6 Euan Ferrie (38)
7 Rory Darge (66)
8 Henco Venter (35)
9 George Horne (138)
10 Adam Hastings (69)
11 Kyle Rowe (36)
12 Tom Jordan (70)
13 Sione Tuipulotu (67)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (91)
15 Josh McKay (63)
Replacements
16 Johnny Matthews (96)
17 Rory Sutherland (11)
18 Sam Talakai (20)
19 Max Williamson (30)
20 Jack Mann (14)
21 Macenzzie Duncan (3)
22 Stafford McDowall (93)
23 Jamie Dobie (87)
Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (knee), Jack Dempsey (hamstring), Matt Fagerson (ankle), Zander Fagerson (calf), Huw Jones (Achilles), Ally Miller (back), Duncan Munn (shoulder), Patrick Schickerling (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee), Duncan Weir (shoulder).
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