Franco Smith backs consistency with lone change for semifinal clash with Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has made a single change to his starting XV for the United Rugby Championship semifinal against the Bulls at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with a place in the Grand Final on the line.
Gregor Hiddleston is brought in at hooker in the only change to the side that defeated Connacht 33–21 last weekend to secure a spot in the final four.
Patrick Schickerling and Zander Fagerson start alongside Hiddleston in the front row; the former having opened the scoring for the Warriors at Scotstoun last time out.
Scott Cummings and Alex Samuel continue their partnership in the second row, having combined to impressive effect in both open play and at the set-piece last weekend.
Jack Dempsey continues at No.8, with Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge starting on the flanks after a seismic defensive effort from the pair in the quarterfinals.
Behind the scrum, George Horne starts at scrumhalf, partnering Dan Lancaster in the half-backs.
Sione Tuipulotu and Stafford McDowall combine in the centres, the latter having scored the crucial try in the Champions Cup last-16 victory over the Bulls back in April.
Kyle Steyn leads the team from the wing once more after his Player of the Match-winning display last time out, as Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay round out the starting lineup.
There are three alterations to the replacements, including a return to action for Jamie Dobie, who is set for his first appearance in Glasgow colours since January after recovering from an injury sustained in Scotland’s Calcutta Cup victory over England.
Glasgow Warriors: 15 Josh McKay), 14 Kyle Steyn (captain), 13 Stafford McDowall, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Kyle Rowe, 10 Dan Lancaster, 9 George Horne), 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Alex Samuel, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 1 Patrick Schickerling
Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Jare Oguntibeju, 20 Euan Ferrie, 21 Sione Vailanu, 22 Jamie Dobie, 23 Adam Hastings
Date: Saturday, June 6
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 14.30 BST (15.30 SAST; 13.30 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Eoghan Cross (Ireland), Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)
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