GLASGOW WARRIORS head coach Franco Smith has made five changes to the starting XV he sent out against Perpignan last weekend ahead of tomorrow night’s 1872 Cup first leg clash against Edinburgh at Scotstoun.
In the backline, club captain Kyle Steyn returns on the left wing in place of Rufus McLean, Stafford McDowall takes over from Huw Jones at inside-centre, and Tom Jordan replaces Duncan Weir at stand-off.
There are two changes in the pack, with Fraser Brown starting ahead of the benched George Turner at hooker, and Sintu Manjezi preferred to Lewis Bean in the second-row.
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A six-two split on the bench features Cameron Neild, who returns to the match-day 23 after missing out on last Friday’s match.
“Last weekend’s win over Perpignan was another important step in our growth as a squad,” said Smith. “To get the bonus-point win was pleasing, but we know that we can still be much better in our performance and in our processes across the pitch.
“Everyone involved with the club is looking forward to this match. Training this week has been highly competitive and has made this one of our toughest selections of the season to date.
“Edinburgh will provide a stern test for us, and we’re prepared for a highly physical test across the next fortnight.”
Glasgow Warriors (v Edinburgh at Scotstoun, Friday 23rd December, kick-off 7.35pm): J McKay: S Cancelliere ©, S Tuipulotu, S McDowall, K Steyn; T Jordan, G Horne; J Bhatti, F Brown, M Walker, S Manjezi, R Gray, M Fagerson, S Vailanu, J Dempsey. Substitutes: G Turner, N McBeth, S Berghan, J du Preez, L Bean, C Neild, A Price, D Miotti.
Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (foot), Rory Darge (ankle), Allan Dell (calf), Zander Fagerson (hamstring), Thomas Gordon (calf), Oli Kebble (shoulder), Jack Mann (head), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Alex Samuel (back), Ross Thompson (ankle), Ryan Wilson (knee).
The line up above suggests Cancelliere is captain instead of club captain Steyn – really? I actually quite liked Sione as captain the other week. Interesting to see how this centre pairing goes and how Jordan fares outside of George Horne in a derby match like this.
I agree with Balls Up I’m not convinced with Manjezi in any position much prefer Du Preez. That said will be an interesting game hopefully Glasgow will come out the winner. Hopefully we will get a Johnson/Jones partnership pairing some time soon.
Manjezi’s first few games he gave away too many daft pens. Since then he has settled. He’s not Estebeth or Itoje, but he is a real workhorse who gets through a power of work. The new Harley
What has happened to Sam Johnson…..not even mentioned in injured list
Not convinced by Manjezi in the second row, especially as you have Du Preez giving us two 6’10’’ locks to nullify the Edinburgh lineout and their lineout drive. Enough tough yards and jackal in the back row that the two giraffes should be able to pair up.
Unbelievable that the best attacking centre in Scotland isn’t even named in the 23 and doesn’t appear to be injured.
A safe but ultimately pedestrian line up. Luckily the Edinburgh team looks to be similarly average mainly due to injuries.
Overall if the Warriors can front up at scrum time they may just pip this one, especially if big Duhan leaves his hands in the dressing room like he did at Saracens.
Jones has a friction burn, being allowed to heal
Just sometimes there is a good reason. Would have helped to list him as injured though, but I expect he could have played if needed