Warriors ring the changes
Glasgow Warriors head coach, Sean Lineen, has this week made six changes to his successful starting XV for this weekend's Magners League clash with the Dragons.
Having come out on top during a bruising encounter against the Scarlets on Sunday afternoon, Lineen has stressed the need to freshen things up ahead of their trip to Rodney Parade.
“We’ve made a few changes, but it was always in the plan,” said Lineen. “However, we’ve had to make a couple more through injury. This week will really test the depth of our squad.”
Two of the six changes are in the backs where Scotland 7s internationalist Colin Shaw takes over on the left wing from Thom Evans who is ruled out with a trapped nerve in his neck.
Elsehwere, Mark McMillan comes in for Chris Cusiter at scrumhalf to partner Dan Parks as Cusiter is unavailable for family reasons.
In the pack, it's all change either side of hooker Dougie Hall. Jon Welsh is rested after three big performances against Wasps, Munster and Scarlets and makes way for Samoan international Justin Va’a who will make his first appearance of the season.
Ed Kalman is brought in at tighthead for Moray Low who nurses a recurring ankle problem.
In the second row, Dan Turner swaps his place on last week’s bench with captain Alastair Kellock whilst fellow Scotland 'A' international Calum Forrester is given the nod ahead of Kelly Brown who moves to the bench.
Lineen continued: “This is the first of four games against the Dragons this season, but it’s all about Glasgow. We’re going down there with real intent. There’s a confidence and a belief in this squad and we’re hungry to get a result.”
Dragons centre Ashley Smith is set to captain his side in their home Magner's League clash with Glasgow at Rodney Parade.
22 year-old Smith captained the team last season, both in a friendly against Worcester and in the team's EDF fixtures but is still very aware of the great honour which he has been entrusted with and has the full backing of his coach Paul Turner.
"Obviously it is a big blow to have lost Tom Willis and then Luke Charteris," said Turner.
"But the guys showed in the Leinster game that they are able to step up and I am confident that Ashley will do the same tomorrow. He has shown himself to be a strong leader within the team.
"The return of Danny Lee, Joe Bearman and Lewis Evans will be an obvious boost, and with several of our injured players looking to return in the next week or so, we are looking in good shape."
The Teams:
The Dragons: 15 Jason Tovey, 14 Aled Brew, 13 Tom Riley, 12 Ashley Smith (captain), 11 Richard Fussell, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Joe Bearman, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Rob Sidoli, 4 Adam Jones, 3 Nigel Hall, 2 Steve Jones, 1 Ali McKenzie
Replacements: 16 Duane Goodfield, 17 Hugh Gustafson, 18 Gethin Robinson, 19 Lewis Evans, 20 Grant Webb, 21 Martyn Thomas, 22 Danny Lee
Glasgow: 15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 Rob Dewey, 13 Peter Murchie, 12 Graeme Morrison (captain), 11 Colin Shaw, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Calum Forrester, 5 Dan Turner, 4 Tim Barker, 3 Ed Kalman, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Justin Va'a.
Replacements: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Kevin Tkachuk, 18 Alastair Kellock, 19 Kelly Brown, 20 Colin Gregor, 21 Peter Horne, 22 Hefin O'Hare.
Date: Friday, September 18
Venue: Rodney Parade
Time: 19:30 (18:30 GMT)
Referee: Dudley Phillips
Assistant Referees: Phil Connell (WRU), David Jones (WRU).