Tagive to make European debut

Ratu Tagive will make his first start in European competition this weekend, as Glasgow Warriors welcome Sale Sharks to Scotstoun for their opening match of the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup.

The last remaining tickets for tomorrow’s Heineken Champions Cup opener are available here.

A squad containing 19 internationals will welcome the English outfit to Glasgow on Saturday lunchtime, with a total of 1,933 club appearances amongst the matchday 23.

A settled front-row sees Oli Kebble and Zander Fagerson continue as the starting props, as Fraser Brown packs down at hooker following the announcement of his new three-year contract earlier this week.

After being rested for last weekend’s trip to Parma, the club’s most-capped player Rob Harley returns to the side to partner Scott Cummings in the second-row.

Callum Gibbins and Ryan Wilson start together on the flanks for the first time this season, with Matt Fagerson continuing at number eight to complete the back-row.

George Horne will look to build upon his brace of tries against Zebre last Saturday, with the scrum-half once again partnering Adam Hastings in the half-backs.

Nick Grigg comes back into the side at outside centre, lining up outside fellow Scotland international Sam Johnson in midfield.

Tommy Seymour continues at full-back in an unchanged back-three, with DTH van der Merwe and Tagive starting on the wings.

Ali Price is in line to make his first appearance of the new season from the bench, following the foot injury sustained by the scrum-half at the recent Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Pete Horne returns from injury into the matchday squad, whilst Tim Swinson, Chris Fusaro and Kyle Steyn move to the bench to accommodate the returning Harley, Gibbins and Grigg respectively.

The front-row replacements once again retain their jerseys, with George Turner, Alex Allan and D’arcy Rae each primed to make an impact from the bench.

Speaking following his selection, Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “The Heinekin Champions Cup is a fantastic competition, a chance to test ourselves against the best teams across Europe.

“We’re excited by that challenge and have prepared well.

“Sale are a tough side based around a big pack, solid kicking game and strong defence. We know what to expect. They’ll be coming through the front door.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Sale Sharks in the Heineken Champions Cup, Saturday 16 November, kick-off 1pm, live on BT Sport 3 and BT Sport Ultimate. You can follow the game in the Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.
Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets:

1. Oli Kebble (37)

2. Fraser Brown (91)

3. Zander Fagerson (83)

4. Rob Harley (217)

5. Scott Cummings (58)

6. Ryan Wilson (155)

7. Callum Gibbins (C) (39)

8. Matt Fagerson (54)

9. George Horne (44)

10. Adam Hastings (34)

11. DTH van der Merwe (117)

12. Sam Johnson (53)

13. Nick Grigg (59)

14. Ratu Tagive (7)

15. Tommy Seymour (133)

Replacements

16. George Turner (36)

17. Alex Allan (96)

18. D’arcy Rae (67)

19. Tim Swinson (131)

20. Chris Fusaro (170)

21. Ali Price (77)

22. Pete Horne (160)

23. Kyle Steyn (15)

Not available due to injury: Siua Halanukonuka (calf), Lee Jones (calf), Sean Kennedy (foot), Grant Stewart (back) and Jale Vakaloloma (shoulder).