Miotti and Fifita set for first starts

Argentinian fly-half Domingo Miotti and Tongan winger Walter Fifita are both in line to make their first starts for Glasgow Warriors this weekend, after earning selection for tomorrow night’s United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton at Scotstoun.

The pair are part of a starting XV showing four changes in total to the side that earned a 13-11 victory over Munster last time out, a result that propelled the Warriors into a share of second place in the URC standings as well as moving them to the top of the Scottish-Italian Shield.

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An unchanged front-row sees Oli Kebble and Simon Berghan pack down either side of co-captain Fraser Brown, with the Warriors able to form an all-international trio at the coal face for the tenth successive fixture.

Kiran McDonald comes into the starting line-up after come off the bench last time out, taking the place of Scott Cummings to partner Richie Gray in the second-row.

Jack Dempsey – a try-scorer against Benetton in Treviso back in November – continues at number eight, joining co-captain Ryan Wilson and Thomas Gordon in the back-row.

25-year-old Miotti is handed the number 10 jersey for the first time since his summer arrival from the Western Force, lining up outside George Horne in a livewire half-back combination.

The midfield combination sees the return of two Warriors from Scotland camp, with Head Coach Danny Wilson able to call upon the pairing of Sam Johnson and Kyle Steyn for tomorrow night’s clash.

Tongan international Fifita is named on the wing for the first time in his Glasgow career, joining Ollie Smith and Rufus McLean in the back three after the latter successfully passed the return-to-play protocols.

The bench sees Enrique Pieretto named as the replacement tight-head, having agreed a new contract extension with the Warriors earlier this week.

Johnny Matthews continues as the cover at hooker, with Nathan McBeth named amongst the replacements for the rematch with side against whom he made his Glasgow debut back in November.

Lewis Bean comes back into the matchday 23 after missing out on the win over Munster, whilst Ally Miller is selected in the number 20 jersey for the third consecutive match.

Jamie Dobie starts as scrum-half cover once again after his 75-minute showing on the wing last time out, with Stafford McDowall retaining his place amongst the replacements as cover for the outside backs.

The replacements are rounded out by the returning Ross Thompson, the Scotland international in line for his first minutes of game-time since January’s narrow defeat to La Rochelle at Scotstoun.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “After a gritty win against Munster last weekend, we’re looking forward to going again tomorrow night.

“Benetton are a tough side. Their form this season has been good and we know the challenge we will face tomorrow evening.

“We’re looking forward to playing in front of the Scotstoun crowd for a second week in a row.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Benetton at Scotstoun, Saturday 19 February, kick-off 7.35pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli Kebble (68)
2. Fraser Brown (C) (118)
3. Simon Berghan (4)
4. Kiran McDonald (45)
5. Richie Gray (73)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (203)
7. Thomas Gordon (44)
8. Jack Dempsey (12)

9. George Horne (77)
10. Domingo Miotti (1)
11. Rufus McLean (18)
12. Sam Johnson (84)
13. Kyle Steyn (43)
14. Walter Fifita (1)
15. Ollie Smith (12)

16. Johnny Matthews (21)
17. Nathan McBeth (2)
18. Enrique Pieretto (29)
19. Lewis Bean (15)
20. Ally Miller (5)
21. Jamie Dobie (28)
22. Ross Thompson (26)
23. Stafford McDowall (32)

Unavailable for selection: Hamish Bain, Jamie Bhatti, Scott Cummings, Rob Harley, Tom Lambert, Josh McKay.

International duty: Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Ali Price, Sione Tuipulotu, George Turner.