Glasgow Warriors deploy 16 Test players to take on Leinster in Monday night clash

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson has made four alterations to his starting XV ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Leinster at Scotstoun, the first instalment of Monday night rugby in the club’s Guinness PRO14 history.

His selection includes 16 capped Test players and a 2017 British and Irish Lion.

Grant Stewart will make his first start of the season after coming off the bench against the Ospreys, the hooker packing down between Aki Seiuli and D’arcy Rae in the front row.

After impressing on his debut at the Liberty Stadium, Hamish Bain is retained in the second row, with Rob Harley partnering the former Stade Nicois man after returning from Scotland duty.

The back row is unchanged from the one that took to the field in Swansea last weekend, as captain Ryan Wilson and Tom Gordon line up either side of number eight TJ Ioane.

It’s a familiar combination that will start together in the half backs, with Pete Horne lining up outside brother George for the visit of the defending champions.

Sam Johnson and Nick Grigg are once again paired together in the midfield, both men having crossed for memorable scores against the Irish province in previous encounters.

There’s a first start of the season on the wing for Niko Matawalu, as the Fijian joins Tommy Seymour and Huw Jones in the back three.

George Turner rotates to the replacements bench after his try-scoring outing in Swansea last week, with the Scotland hooker joining Alex Allan and Enrique Pieretto as the front-row cover.

Chris Fusaro and Fotu Lokotui each retain their places in the matchday 23, both men having come off the bench last time out.

Jamie Dobie wears the 21 jersey, whilst Brandon Thomson is once again in line for his first appearance of the season after being named amongst the replacements.

The bench is completed by Ratu Tagive, as the winger returns to Scotstoun having been called into the Scotland squad earlier this week.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “Leinster are a good side with good depth across the park.

“We’re well aware of the challenge and we’ve got a good side stepping out on the field tomorrow night.

“It’s good to welcome back some of our international boys. We have a good a mix of youth and experience in the squad again, which is good for the future of the club.”

GLASGOW WARRIORS TEAM:

1. Aki Seiuli (14)

2. Grant Stewart (33)

3. D’arcy Rae (73)

4. Rob Harley (234)

5. Hamish Bain (1)

6. Ryan Wilson (C) (172)

7. Tom Gordon (21)

8. TJ Ioane (1)

9. George Horne (59)

10. Pete Horne (173)

11. Niko Matawalu (130)

12. Sam Johnson (63)

13. Nick Grigg (74)

14. Tommy Seymour (147)

15. Huw Jones (40)

Replacements

16. George Turner (52)

17. Alex Allan (104)

18. Enrique Pieretto (2)

19. Chris Fusaro (182)

20. Fotu Lokotui (2)

21. Jamie Dobie (9)

22. Brandon Thomson (24)

23. Ratu Tagive (16)