Seven changes for 1872 Cup opener

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson has made seven alterations to the starting XV for tomorrow night’s 1872 Cup clash with Edinburgh at Scotstoun.

The two teams come into the match – which will be played at a sold-out Scotstoun for the first time since December 2019 – tied on points in the United Rugby Championship Standings, with the Warriors edging ahead of their cross-country rivals by virtue of recording more wins in the competition to date.

Murphy Walker starts a professional match for the first time after being named at loose-head, the prop having been released from his first call-up to Scotland camp to join Johnny Matthews and Simon Berghan in the front-row.

A familiar second-row partnership comes into the engine room for tomorrow’s clash, as Richie Gray pairs up with Scott Cummings after the latter’s recovery from injury.

Thomas Gordon comes into the pack at openside, linking up with captain Ryan Wilson and the league’s leading carrier Jack Dempsey in the back-row.

Jamie Dobie and Duncan Weir continue their partnership in the half-backs, with Weir playing in his first 1872 Cup clash for Glasgow since the 2015/16 campaign.

Stafford McDowall and Robbie Fergusson are selected as the midfield combination, making it a club reunion in the centres for the former Ayr RFC standouts.

Sebastian Cancelliere comes into the back three in place of the injured Ollie Smith, with Josh McKay shifting to full-back and Cole Forbes completing the starting lineup.

On the bench, Grant Stewart is in line for his first appearance of the 2021/22 campaign after being selected as the cover at hooker for tomorrow night’s clash.

Ewan McQuillin retains his place in the matchday squad after his first outing for the Warriors in two years against the Scarlets, as Nathan McBeth wears the number 17 shirt as replacement loose-head.

Kiran McDonald and Ally Miller rotate to the bench after starting in Llanelli last time out, with Jordan Lenac and Ross Thompson continuing amongst the replacement backs.

The matchday 23 is rounded out by the return of Sione Tuipulotu from Scotland camp, as the centre prepares for his first taste of an 1872 Cup derby and a first Glasgow appearance since his Player of the Match-winning performance in January’s victory away to Connacht.

Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “Edinburgh had a good win against Connacht two weeks ago and they’re a side who are playing a good brand of rugby and scoring a lot of tries.

“After a tough away game to Scarlets, we’re looking forward to being back at Scotstoun in front of a sold-out crowd and bouncing back with an improved performance.

“We’ve had a good week of training and were pleased to welcome back some of our Scotland players towards the end of the week.

“Both sides are tied on points in the league. Tomorrow’s game and the remaining league games are going to have a big bearing on league position and qualification for both Europe and the URC play-offs.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Edinburgh at Scotstoun, Friday 18 March, 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. Murphy Walker (3)
2. Johnny Matthews (23)
3. Simon Berghan (6)
4. Scott Cummings (86)
5. Richie Gray (75)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (205)
7. Thomas Gordon (46)
8. Jack Dempsey (14)

9. Jamie Dobie (30)
10. Duncan Weir (119)
11. Cole Forbes (18)
12. Stafford McDowall (34)
13. Robbie Fergusson (13)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (5)
15. Josh McKay (7)

16. Grant Stewart (45)
17. Nathan McBeth (3)
18. Ewan McQuillin (3)
19. Kiran McDonald (47)
20. Ally Miller (7)
21. Jordan Lenac (2)
22. Ross Thompson (28)
23. Sione Tuipulotu (13)

Unavailable for selection list: Lewis Bean, Jamie Bhatti, George Horne, Oli Kebble, Sean Kennedy, Tom Lambert, Rufus McLean, Enrique Pieretto, Ollie Smith.

International duty: Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Sam Johnson, Ali Price, George Turner.