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Depleted Glasgow forced to plumb depth charts for URC clash with Connacht
By PA
Glasgow will once again have to display their squad depth if they are to extend their nine-game winning streak without more than a dozen Scotland internationals in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match away to Connacht.
Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, George Horne, Huw Jones, Nathan McBeth, Kyle Steyn, Rory Sutherland, Sione Tuipulotu and Max Williamson are all unavailable for the trip to Ireland as they remain with Gregor Townsend’s squad in preparation for next weekend’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France.
In addition, Jack Dempsey and Jamie Dobie miss out with injuries sustained on international duty.
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Franco Smith has selected a similar side to the one that started Warriors last match, a 31-20 home win over Munster four weeks ago.
Ollie Smith, Stafford McDowall and Kyle Rowe are among the most senior players in the starting XV, while Gregor Hiddleston, Alex Craig and Adam Hastings have been released from the Scotland camp to be named on the bench.
“Training has been sharp this week,” said head coach Smith. “Connacht possess a squad that blends a physical forward pack with backs that can threaten from anywhere on the field – they pose a difficult proposition for any side in the competition.
“We are fully focused on our own performance levels, however, and we want to ensure that we put out the best version of ourselves.”
Connacht are far less impacted by the Six Nations, with Ireland prop Finlay Bealham their only notable absentee due to international duty.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We’ve had a good break and opportunity to regroup ahead of an important run of games at home.
“We’re under no illusions that we’ve a big task ahead of us. Glasgow have won nine on the bounce so are very well coached with quality across the pitch.”
Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay (Kaiapoi), Kyle Rowe (Queen Victoria School), Stafford McDowall (CAPT) (Stewartry), Kerr Yule (West of Scotland), Ollie Smith (Marr), Dan Lancaster (West Park Leeds), Ben Afshar (Edinburgh Academical); Jamie Bhatti (Hillfoots), Seb Stephen (Garioch/Glenalmond College), Murphy Walker (Dundee Eagles), Jare Oguntibeju (Meridian Pinehurst), Alex Samuel (Madras), Euan Ferrie (East Kilbride), Angus Fraser (Dundee Eagles), Ally Miller (Preston Lodge/Musselburgh)
Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston (Dumfries Saints), Patrick Schickerling (Walvis Bay High School), Sam Talakai (Waverley College), Alex Craig (Stewartry), Macenzzie Duncan (Clevedon), Sione Vailanu (Hihifo), Jack Oliver (Garryowen), Adam Hastings (George Watson’s College)
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