Wilson returns to captain side for Zebre test

Ryan Wilson will captain Glasgow Warriors for the first time this season, as the back-rower returns to lead the side out against Zebre in Parma tomorrow afternoon.

The 30-year-old is one of eight changes to the starting XV that ran out against Southern Kings at Scotstoun, which sees four further Scotland squad members return to club duty following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Fraser Brown comes into the side at hooker, packing down between two of last weekend’s try-scorers in Oli Kebble and Zander Fagerson.

Having played a part in all four of Scotland’s matches in Japan, Scott Cummings comes back into the Glasgow fold to partner Tim Swinson in the second-row.

Chris Fusaro makes his 100th start for the club by joining the returning Wilson on the flanks, with Matt Fagerson the sole surviving member of the back-row.

George Horne and Adam Hastings continue at half-back, with the latter having contributed four conversions to the 50-0 victory at Scotstoun last weekend.

A new-look centre partnership sees Sam Johnson start in the number 12 jersey, with Kyle Steyn running out at 13 for the first time in the new campaign.

After his try-scoring cameo from the bench last weekend, Ratu Tagive starts for the Warriors for the first time in 20 months, with DTH van der Merwe retaining his place on the other wing.

Tommy Seymour completes the starting line-up, as the Scotland international comes into the side at full-back.

The front-row replacements are unchanged from the victory over the Kings, with George Turner, Alex Allan and D’arcy Rae all retaining their place in the matchday 23.

Cummings’ inclusion sees Kiran McDonald rotate to the bench, with Tom Gordon wearing the number 20 shirt.

Nick Frisby joins the replacements after missing last weekend’s win, with Ruaridh Jackson and Huw Jones rounding out the squad.

Speaking about his selection, Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “We're keen to get some of the international boys some footy before Europe and freshen up a handful of guys who have played quite a bit for us recently.

"Tommy (Seymour) played well for us at 15 in a big game in Europe last season, and we feel he has the skill set to put in another strong performance in the position this weekend.

"Zebre are a handful. We're well aware of the threats they pose. They're prepared to play a bit of rugby and have a smart kicking game, so we'll have to be alert to all of that."

Glasgow Warriors team to play Zebre in the Guinness PRO14, Saturday 9 November, kick-off 3pm (UK time), live on FreeSports. You can follow the game in the Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets.

1: Oli Kebble (36)
2: Fraser Brown (90)
3: Zander Fagerson (82)
4: Tim Swinson (131)
5: Scott Cummings (57)
6: Ryan Wilson (C) (154)
7: Chris Fusaro (169)
8: Matt Fagerson (53)

9: George Horne (43)
10: Adam Hastings (33)
11: DTH van der Merwe (116)
12: Sam Johnson (52)
13: Kyle Steyn (14)
14: Ratu Tagive (6)
15: Tommy Seymour (132)

16: George Turner (35)
17: Alex Allan (95)
18: D'arcy Rae (66)
19: Kiran McDonald (21)
20: Tom Gordon (7)
21: Nick Frisby (17)
22: Ruaridh Jackson (155)
23: Huw Jones (25)

Not available due to injury: Siua Halanukonuka (calf), Pete Horne (calf), Lee Jones (hamstring), Sean Kennedy (foot), Ali Price (foot), Grant Stewart (back), Jale Vakalaloma (shoulder).