Scotland star returns as Glasgow face side 'packed with international-calibre talent'

Glasgow have recalled Scotland flanker Rory Darge and versatile back Ollie Smith to their side for Sunday’s final Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 showdown with Saracens.

Openside Darge takes over from Euan Ferrie – who drops to the bench – in the back row, with Matt Fagerson reverting to blindside flanker.

Smith, whose last three starts have been at full-back, comes onto the left wing, with Jamie Dobie rested as part of his player-management programme.

Toulon-bound Huw Jones, who marked his comeback from five months out with a trademark try in last weekend’s 33-21 win at Clermont Auvergne, again starts at outside centre, with Stafford McDowall among the replacements on a six-two bench split.

Warriors, who have a maximum 15 points from their opening three pool games, know that victory at Scotstoun would guarantee they are one of the top two seeds heading into the last 16, ensuring home advantage if they progress through the knockout rounds.

Fixture

Investec Champions Cup

Glasgow

09:30

18 Jan 26

Saracens

All Stats and Data

But Saracens, who like Glasgow in December, upset six-time champions Toulouse last week, also know that victory on Sunday could see them top Pool 1 and bolster their seeding for the knockout stages.

“Saracens possess a strong pedigree in the Investec Champions Cup, something that they will be eager to continue this weekend,” said head coach Franco Smith.

“Their squad is packed with international-calibre talent and we know that they will come here with a direct, physical game plan that we will need to be at our best to match.”

With Montpellier-bound Adam Hastings still sidelined with a knee injury, Dan Lancaster continues at No.10 while scrum-half George Horne, Glasgow’s all-time record try-scorer with 62, will play his 150th game for Warriors on Sunday.

“We are proud to see George reach 150 appearances for the club – he is someone who gives his heart and soul for Glasgow Warriors every time he steps onto the field, and we know how much reaching this milestone will mean to him,” Smith added.

Glasgow team v Saracens: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Kyle Steyn C, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Ollie Smith; 10 Dan Lancaster, 9 George Horne; 1 Patrick Schickerling, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Euan Ferrie, 22 Stafford McDowall, 23 Ben Afshar.