Glasgow Warriors make one change to starting XV as Scotland 9 returns to bench

Gregor Hiddleston is the only change to the Glasgow Warriors side for Saturday’s URC semi-final against the Bulls at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Hiddleston starts at hooker in place of Johnny Matthews after last weekend’s 33-21 quarter-final win over Connacht. He joins Patrick Schickerling and Zander Fagerson in the front row.

Scott Cummings and Alex Samuel continue in the second row, while Jack Dempsey remains at No 8 with Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge on the flanks after their defensive display in the quarter-final.

George Horne partners Dan Lancaster in the half-backs. Sione Tuipulotu and Stafford McDowall are again paired in midfield, with captain Kyle Steyn on the right wing alongside Kyle Rowe and full-back Josh McKay.
There are three changes on the bench, most notably the return of Jamie Dobie.

The scrum-half is in line for his first appearance since January after recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained in the Six Nations against England.

Seb Stephen and Adam Hastings also come into the matchday 23, having missed the Connacht win. Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai provide front-row cover, with Jare Oguntibeju, Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu completing the replacements.

Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know how strong of a challenge the Bulls will pose tomorrow afternoon – they are serial contenders at the business end of the season, have one of the deepest squads in the competition, and will bring a highly physical game plan that we will need to be at our best to meet.

“Both George and Jamie have worked hard with our medical and physio teams this week to put themselves in the best position possible ahead of tomorrow, with both men eager to give their all for this team.

“We look forward to representing not just Glasgow, but all of Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield tomorrow, and we look forward to hearing the Warrior Nation behind us.”

Glasgow Warriors team
1 Patrick Schickerling
2 Gregor Hiddleston
3 Zander Fagerson
4 Scott Cummings
5 Alex Samuel
6 Matt Fagerson
7 Rory Darge
8 Jack Dempsey
9 George Horne
10 Dan Lancaster
11 Kyle Rowe
12 Sione Tuipulotu
13 Stafford McDowall
14 Kyle Steyn (c)
15 Josh McKay

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