Huw Jones rescues injury-hit Glasgow with position switch for derby clash

Scotland centre Huw Jones will deputise on the wing for injury-hit Glasgow as they kick off their defence of the 1872 Cup in Friday’s first leg at home to Edinburgh.

The 30-year-old moves from his usual position to wear the number 14 jersey in the absence of regular back-three members Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn and Sebastian Cancelliere.

Stafford McDowall and Sione Tuipulotu will be the centre pairing, with a half-back partnership of George Horne and Ross Thompson.

Second-placed Glasgow could go top of the United Rugby Championship, overnight at least, if they follow up last weekend’s Champions Cup win away to Bayonne with another victory.

“We have prepared well all week following our return from Bayonne, and every player in the squad put their hand up to strongly compete for selection,” head coach Franco Smith told the Warriors’ official website.

“This group continues to drive each other forward and demand the best from each other, with everyone keen to end this block of fixtures on a high over the next two weeks.

“We know that Scotstoun has been sold out for weeks in advance of this match. It will be a special atmosphere tomorrow night.”

Glasgow’s starting pack for the inter-city derby contains six forwards who were at the recent World Cup with Scotland: George Turner, Jamie Bhatti, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Scott Cummings and Rory Darge.

In addition to Smith, Steyn and Cancelliere; Jack Dempsey, Jamie Dobie, Matt Fagerson and Murphy Walker are among the other key Warriors players missing through injury.