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Scotland U20s star one of two Glasgow Warriors debutants for 1872 Cup decider
By PA
Glasgow will hand Scottish Rugby Academy graduates Ross Thompson and Rufus McLean their first starts in Friday’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Edinburgh. Thompson, 21, is selected at fly-half after Pete Horne failed to recover from a head knock in time to feature.
The former Scotland Under-20s vice-captain impressed off the bench during last weekend’s 10-7 defeat at BT Murrayfield and replaces Brandon Thomson, who is among the replacements after his loose pass led to Edinburgh’s only try.
Scotland Under-20s winger McLean comes in for Ratu Tagive to make his debut in the continued absence of Tommy Seymour, who has concussion.
Boston-born McLean, 20, scored three tries in four appearances during last year’s Under-20 Six Nations.
Head coach Danny Wilson told the Warriors website: “We wanted to give an opportunity to a few boys we think deserve their shot based on their efforts in training over the last couple of weeks.
“We’re excited to see how Ross goes at fly-half and for Rufus to get his first run out for the club – he’s a young man with an impressive skillset and electric pace.
“At the same time, though, it’s all about continuing to gel and grow as a squad.
“We’ve worked on a few things we learned from last week, and we’re excited to get back out at Scotstoun on Friday night.”
Oli Kebble returns from a Covid-19 lay-off to start at loosehead prop while Richie Gray continues in the second row following his impressive comeback at Murrayfield.
Centre Robbie Fergusson also comes in for the unavailable Sam Johnson while Lewis Bean is again among the replacements following his try off the bench last weekend.
GLASGOW WARRIORS:
1. Oli Kebble (52)
2. George Turner (55)
3. Zander Fagerson (96)
4. Richie Gray (52)
5. Scott Cummings (74)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (180)
7. Tom Gordon (26)
8. Matt Fagerson (67)
9. Ali Price (92)
10. Ross Thompson (1)
11. Rufus McLean (0)
12. Robbie Fergusson (6)
13. Nick Grigg (80)
14. Lee Jones (86)
15. Huw Jones (44)
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Johnny Matthews (6)
17. Aki Seiuli (21)
18. Enrique Pieretto (9)
19. Lewis Bean (5)
20. TJ Ioane (8)
21. Jamie Dobie (14)
22. Brandon Thomson (31)
23. Glenn Bryce (33)
Unavailable for selection: Alex Allan, Fraser Brown, Rob Harley, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Pete Horne, Sam Johnson, Sean Kennedy, Kiran McDonald, Niko Matawalu, Leone Nakarawa, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn
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Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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