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Huw Jones now deemed fit despite initial 'very bad news'
By PA
Scotland centre Huw Jones returns following a six-week lay-off to start for Glasgow in Friday’s Investec Champions Cup opener at home to Northampton.
Warriors boss Franco Smith was initially wary of the possibility of “very bad news” regarding the severity of the toe injury the 29-year-old sustained in the United Rugby Championship defeat away to Connacht on the last weekend of October, casting some doubt on his availability for the upcoming Six Nations.
However, Jones has recovered and been deemed fit enough to go back into the starting XV for the visit of Gallagher Premiership side Saints as one of seven changes to the team that kicked off last weekend’s URC defeat away to Munster.
Jones’ fellow Scotland internationals Kyle Steyn, Jack Dempsey and Jamie Dobie remain sidelined, but back-rower Matt Fagerson will make his 100th appearance for Warriors as last season’s Challenge Cup runners-up open their latest European campaign at Scotstoun.
“The Investec Champions Cup presents us with a new challenge – it’s one we’re proud to be a part of and we’re looking forward to this weekend,” head coach Smith told the Glasgow website.
“Northampton arrive at Scotstoun in excellent form having won away to Saracens last weekend. They are a dangerous team with ball in hand and run a tight ship defensively, making them a very tough opponent.”
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I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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