Glasgow Warriors welcome back second row pair Scott Cummings and Tim Swinson and centre Sam Johnson for the visit of the Toyota Cheetahs tonight, kick-off 7.35pm UK time, 9.35pm SA time.
Scotland international Swinson has been out of action with a hand injury since November, Johnson suffered a broken jaw in the game against Montpellier in December and Cummings has been out since the beginning of the year.
All three come straight into the starting XV, Swinson and Cummings starting behind a front row of Alex Allan, James Malcolm and Siua Halanukonuka.
Behind them Rob Harley captain’s the side and equals Graeme Morrison’s record for all time Glasgow Warriors appearances, playing his 177th game for the club.
Chris Fusaro and Matt Fagerson are the other loose forwards.
It is an unchanged half back pairing from last weekend’s draw against the Dragons and Nick Grigg joins Johnson in the midfield.
Niko Matawalu starts on the wing, joining Lee Jones and Ruaridh Jackson in the back three.
Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “Although we were disappointed to only get a draw against the Dragons we played the game in the right areas of the field and showed good attacking intent.
“The Cheetahs are a good side across the park and we know we’re going to have to be more clinical with our possession this Friday to get the result.
“Sam, Scott and Tim are all influentual players for us so to have them back is a huge boost.”
Glasgow Warriors team to play the Toyota Cheetahs. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets:
15. Ruaridh Jackson (131)
14. Lee Jones (71)
13. Nick Grigg (36)
12. Sam Johnson (34)
11. Niko Matawalu (89)
10. Adam Hastings (5)
9. George Horne (15)
1. Alex Allan (68)
2. James Malcolm (23)
3. Siua Halanukonuka (10)
4. Tim Swinson (106)
5. Scott Cummings (31)
6. Rob Harley (176)
7. Chris Fusaro (135)
8. Matt Fagerson (19)
Replacements
16. Grant Stewart (3)
17. Oli Kebble (5)
18. D’Arcy Rae (38)
19. Matt Smith (15)
20. Adam Ashe (51)
21. Henry Pyrgos (139)
22. Brandon Thomson (8)
23. Ratu Tagive (3)
Not available due to injury: Brian Alainu’uise (knee), Fraser Brown (head), Alex Dunbar (thigh), Zander Fagerson (foot), Callum Gibbins (achilles), Rory Hughes (shoulder), Pat MacArthur (shoulder), Leo Sarto (shoulder) and George Turner (knee).
Not available due to international commitments: Jamie Bhatti (Scotland), Jonny Gray (Scotland), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Peter Horne (Scotland), Huw Jones (Scotland) Ali Price (Scotland), Finn Russell (Scotland), Tommy Seymour (Scotland) and Ryan Wilson (Scotland).
Cheetahs team:
Shirt no. |
Player |
15 |
Clayton Blommetjies |
14 |
Craig Barry |
13 |
Francois Venter (C) |
12 |
Nico Lee |
11 |
Malcolm Jaer |
10 |
Niel Marais |
9 |
Shaun Venter |
1 |
Charles Marais |
2 |
Torsten Van Jaarsveld |
3 |
Luan de Bruin |
4 |
Justin Basson |
5 |
Reniel Hugo |
6 |
Henco Venter |
7 |
Oupa Mohoje |
8 |
Uzair Cassiem |
|
|
16 |
Jacques Du Toit |
17 |
Ox Nche |
18 |
Johan Coetzee |
19 |
Carl Wegner |
20 |
Paul Schoeman |
21 |
Zee Mkhabela |
22 |
Fred Zeilinga |
23 |
Luther Obi |
Great break from deep in Glasgow 22 with a superb run by Grigg then good running and finishing by Pyrgos
Glasgow 37/23 Cheetahs 69th min as Swinson is replaced at lock
Harley has moved from flank to lock in Swinson place
Cummings will have to play whole game as Smith and Ashe both on
Brandon Thomson on for Ruaridh Jackson and Zeilinga on for Marais
Grigg has been causing havoc with his breaks and some big tackles man of match maybe
Cheetahs attacking
Lineout Glasgow less than 3 min left
Attendance 7431
Nick Grigg has been announced as man of match now by injured team mate Zander Fagerson who is doing some commentary
Penalty and yellow card against Venter for foul play against Thomson
Final score Glasgow 37/23 Cheetahs bonus point win
Nice to see Swinson and Mohoje having a chat and smile after the game
Interesting to see Brandon Thomson and couple of other players who came on as subs but didn’t play long doing a fitness session after the game; according to Zander Fagerson this is part of the conditioning routine at Glasgow. Looked like they were having a tough work out.
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