Glasgow Warriors return to Scotstoun this evening for the first time this season, with Northampton Saints providing the opposition in The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly (kick-off 7.30pm).
Franco Smith has made nine changes to the lineup that started away at Bath last weekend, blending returning internationals with the young talent that impressed in England.
Dempsey Returns After Eight Months Out
One of the most eye-catching selections is at number eight, where Jack Dempsey pulls on a Glasgow jersey for the first time since February. The Scotland international suffered an injury during the Six Nations and has been sidelined ever since. He joins skipper Euan Ferrie – shifting across to blindside – and Macenzzie Duncan in a back-row unit that combines power and mobility.
Pack Balance
Up front, Nathan McBeth comes straight back into the side after shaking off a training knock, linking up with Gregor Hiddleston and Fin Richardson in the front-row. Behind them, Max Williamson and Alex Samuel rekindle their U20 second-row partnership, giving the Warriors a youthful but familiar engine room.
Backs Get a Shake-Up
At half-back, Ben Afshar and Dan Lancaster are handed the starting roles after both came off the bench at The Rec. Kerr Yule and Kerr Johnston continue in the midfield, while Josh McKay is brought in at full-back to complete a back-three alongside Ollie Smith and Fergus Watson.
Experience on the Bench
There’s plenty of impact in reserve, with Scotland caps Johnny Matthews, Jamie Bhatti and Gregor Brown waiting to make their first pre-season appearances. Academy centre Alex Bryden could make his senior debut, while Brent Jackson – a try-scorer against Bath – once again takes his place among the replacements. Johnny Ventisei, who led Scotland U20s at the World Rugby Championship this summer, also features.
Smith’s Thoughts
Head Coach Franco Smith said ahead of kick-off:
“It’s always a special occasion when we run out at Scotstoun, and tonight will give us another valuable step towards the new season. Bath provided a tough test for our academy players last week, and Northampton will challenge us in different ways. The focus remains on blending our younger talent with more experienced players as we sharpen up for competitive action.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face Northampton Saints
The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly, Scotstoun – Friday 12 September, 7.30pm
Starting XV
- Nathan McBeth
- Gregor Hiddleston
- Fin Richardson
- Max Williamson
- Alex Samuel
- Euan Ferrie (C)
- Macenzzie Duncan
- Jack Dempsey
- Ben Afshar
- Dan Lancaster
- Ollie Smith
- Kerr Yule
- Kerr Johnston
- Fergus Watson
- Josh McKay
Replacements
Johnny Matthews, Jake Shearer, Sam Talakai, Jare Oguntibeju, Gregor Brown, Angus Fraser, Jack Oliver, Matthew Urwin, Ben Salmon, Johnny Ventisei, Jamie Bhatti, Seb Stephen, Dylan Cockburn, Brent Jackson, Alex Bryden.
