ADAM HASTINGS, George and Peter Horne, Canadian DTH van der Merwe and Zander Fagerson have all been added to the starting fifteen for Glasgow Warriors’ clash against Southern Kings at Scotstoun tomorrow night, while George Turner has been named on the bench. All six are making their first appearances for the club since returning from the Japan World Cup.
Scotland caps Huw Jones and Tim Swinson, both of whom did not make Gregor Townsend‘s World Cup squad, have also been brought into the side at outside-centre and in the second row respectively.
Head coach Dave Rennie is hoping that the new faces add some much needed impetus to Warriors’ floundering season. His team has managed just one win from four outings in the Guinness PRO14 so far, with last week’s 18-5 loss away to the Dragons a particular low.
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“It’s been good having some of the Scotland boys back in training this week and competing for their place in the team,” said Rennie. “With experienced players like Zander, George, Adam, Pete and DTH coming into the team for the first time this season we’re looking for them to lead from the front.
“As always, we make our selections based on performance. Glenn Bryce and Kiran McDonald have been rewarded for their recent efforts and retain their place in the team.
“Huw (Jones) played well when he came on last weekend and we’re looking for him to do the same tomorrow against the Kings.
“The Kings are lethal from turnover ball – our accuracy and ability to build pressure through multi-phase ball will be key.”
Glasgow Warriors (v Southern Kings at Scotstoun, Friday 7.35pm): G Bryce; N Matawalu, H Jones, P Horne, DTH van der Merwe; A Hastings, G Horne; O Kebble, G Stewart, Z Fagerson, T Swinson, K McDonald, R Harley, C Gibbins (captain), M Fagerson. Subs: G Turner, A Allan, D Rae, A Davidson, C Fusaro, J Dobie, S McDowall, R Tagive.
Not available due to injury: Siua Halanukonuka (calf), Lee Jones (hamstring), Sean Kennedy (foot), Ali Price (foot), Adam Ashe (head) and Jale Vakaloloma (shoulder).
Southern Kings: M Banda; C Hollis, E Cronje, T Kruger, S Sithole; J Jackson, J Allderman; J Schoeman, J du Toit, P Scholtz, B de Wee, A Fortuin, T Burger, T Bholi, R Lerm (c). Subs: A van Rooyen, X Vos, R de Klerk, J Sexton, E Louw, G Mills, S Masuku, S van Breda.
Referee: Joy Neville (IRFU)
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