Lokotui makes first start for Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson will field his latest Pacific islander weapon in the forward pack against the Dragons at Scotstoun Stadium. Fotu Lokotui makes his first start for the club since signing at the start of the 2020/21 season, replacing the injured Tom Gordon at openside flanker.

There is also a solitary change in the backs. Niko Matawalu is selected to start in place of Ratu Tagive who moves to the bench.

Following a spirited victory on the road to Cardiff Blues last Sunday Wilson has opted to keep the remainder of his starting XV the same. Aki Seiuli, Grant Stewart, and Enrique Pieretto once again form the front row.

Meanwhile, Lewis Bean and Kiran McDonald pair up in the engine room. Rob Harley is set to make his 238th appearance from the club, he starts on the blindside flank, Lokotui is on the openside and Ryan Wilson is at number 8 and is captain once again.

Sean Kennedy and Pete Horne join forces at scrum-half and stand-off respectively for a fourth successive game. On the wings, Matawalu is joined by Lee Jones for his second start since returning from injury. Jones deservedly retains his position having won Player of the Match last Sunday.

Nick Grigg and Robbie Fergusson are the centres, and Glenn Bryce completes the starting line-up at full-back.

On the bench, second-row Hamish Bain is the only new addition from last week’s outing. If he takes to the field on Saturday, he will make his fifth appearance for the club. The other substitutes are Johnny Matthews, Alex Allan, D’arcy Rae, TJ Ioane, Jamie Dobie, Brandon Thomson and Tagive.

Speaking about his selection for the final round of Guinness PRO14 games before European rugby commences, Head Coach Danny Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “Tom Gordon has picked up a short-term injury and is replaced by Fotu who has earned the opportunity to make his first start for the club.

“Lee Jones was excellent against Cardiff, having come back into the squad for the first time in nearly two years, he is thoroughly deserving of another start.

“Tomorrow night’s game is an opportunity for us to continue to build on our recent performances. Dragons are coming off the back of a good away game and I know they’ll be coming here ready to take us on.”

Glasgow WARRIORS TEAM FOR DRAGONS:

1. Aki Seiuli (18)

2. Grant Stewart (38)

3. Enrique Pieretto (6)

4. Lewis Bean (3)

5. Kiran McDonald (28)

6. Rob Harley (238)

7. Fotu Lokotui (6)

8. Ryan Wilson (C) (177)

9. Sean Kennedy (11)

10. Pete Horne (177)

11. Niko Matawalu (133)

12. Robbie Fergusson (5)

13. Nick Grigg (77)

14. Lee Jones (83)

15. Glenn Bryce (32)

Replacements

16. Johnny Matthews (4)

17. Alex Allan (108)

18. D’arcy Rae (77)

19. Hamish Bain (4)

20. TJ Ioane (5)

21. Jamie Dobie (11)

22. Brandon Thomson (28)

23. Ratu Tagive (19)

Unavailable due to injury: Chris Fusaro, Tom Gordon, Richie Gray, Adam Hastings, Stafford McDowall, Leone Nakarawa, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn.

International duty: Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, George Horne, Sam Johnson, Huw Jones, Oli Kebble, Ali Price, George Turner.