Glasgow Warriors have received a major boost ahead of their BKT United Rugby Championship trip to Italy, with club captain Kyle Steyn and British & Irish Lions centre Sione Tuipulotu both named in the starting XV for Saturday evening’s clash with Benetton in Treviso (kick-off 5.30pm UK, live on Premier Sports).
Key Returns in the Backline
Steyn, making his first appearance of the new season, captains the side from the wing. Tuipulotu also returns for his campaign debut, slotting in at inside centre with Stafford McDowall shifting outside. The pair’s experience and leadership add considerable firepower to the backline, which also features Kyle Rowe – scorer of Glasgow’s first try of the season last weekend – and Josh McKay at full-back.
At half-back, Jamie Dobie and Adam Hastings start together after both made strong contributions from the bench against the Sharks.
Changes Up Front
Head coach Franco Smith has made seven changes in total, with Rory Sutherland brought in at loosehead prop alongside hooker Johnny Matthews and tighthead Fin Richardson. Locks Jare Oguntibeju and Alex Samuel continue their partnership, while the back-row sees Gregor Brown and Macenzzie Duncan join Matt Fagerson, the only forward to retain his place from last week.
Competition for Places
On selection, Smith said:
“Whilst victory last weekend was a good start to our season, we know that there is still plenty to build and improve upon as we move forward.
Training has been highly focused this week, with competition for places high across the field and each player looking to put their hand up to be involved.
Benetton possess one of the proudest home records in the BKT URC, one which they defend fiercely against every opponent; we know that we will need to match their level and meet the challenge that they will present tomorrow evening.”
Bench Options
The replacements include Patrick Schickerling, returning from a foot injury for his first appearance since April, alongside Gregor Hiddleston and Sam Talakai in the front row cover. Scott Cummings and Euan Ferrie offer lock and back-row depth, while George Horne and Dan Lancaster rotate to the bench.
The Line-Up
Glasgow Warriors vs Benetton – Stadio Monigo, Saturday 4 October (5.30pm UK)
15 Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Steyn (C), 13 Stafford McDowall, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Kyle Rowe, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Jamie Dobie, 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 Johnny Matthews, 3 Fin Richardson, 4 Jare Oguntibeju, 5 Alex Samuel, 6 Gregor Brown, 7 Macenzzie Duncan, 8 Matt Fagerson.
Replacements: Hiddleston, Schickerling, Talakai, Williamson, Cummings, Ferrie, Horne, Lancaster.
Unavailable: Craig, Darge, Dempsey, Z. Fagerson, H. Jones, McBeth, Munn, Savala, Stewart, T. Tuipulotu, Vailanu, Walker.
