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Scotland star makes injury comeback for last-16 clash with Harlequins
By PA
Sione Tuipulotu will return from injury to make his first Glasgow appearance since January in Friday night’s Investec Champions Cup last-16 clash with Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop.
The 27-year-old centre has been sidelined since sustaining medial collateral ligament damage in Scotland’s Calcutta Cup win over England on February 24.
After sitting out the national team’s two closing Six Nations matches against Italy and Ireland, as well as his club’s United Rugby Championship victories over Cardiff and Scarlets last month, Tuipulotu has been declared fit to start for Warriors as they bid to reach a third quarter-final in Europe’s premier club competition.
“We are pleased to welcome Sione back into the starting line-up and his return is testament to the hard work and dedication of both Sione and our medical and S&C teams,” head coach Franco Smith told the Glasgow website.
Tuipulotu’s return goes some way to offsetting the absence of fellow Scotland centre Huw Jones, who is still out with a hand injury sustained against Ireland three weeks ago.
Jamie Bhatti, Sebastian Cancelliere, Richie Gray, JP du Preez, Ollie Smith, George Turner and Sione Vailanu are among the other key players Warriors are missing through injury.
Glasgow are still able to field a starting XV containing 11 Scotland internationals, with Johnny Matthews, Matt Fagerson, Jack Dempsey and Kyle Steyn all back in after being rested for last weekend’s 45-3 win at Parc y Scarlets.
“Training this week has been competitive, with everyone looking to put their hand up for selection,” added Smith.
“We look forward to seeing and hearing our travelling supporters in the stands tomorrow night, as they continue to join us on our European journey.”
GLASGOW WARRIORS:
1 Nathan McBeth
2 Johnny Matthews
3 Zander Fagerson
4 Max Williamson
5 Scott Cummings
6 Matt Fagerson
7 Rory Darge
8 Jack Dempsey
9 George Horne
10 Tom Jordan
11 Kyle Rowe
12 Sione Tuipulotu
13 Stafford McDowall
14 Kyle Steyn (C)
15 Josh McKay
REPLACEMENTS:
16 Gregor Hiddleston
17 Oli Kebble
18 Lucio Sordoni
19 Sintu Manjezi
20 Ally Miller
21 Henco Venter
22 Jamie Dobie
23 Duncan Weir
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Latest Comments
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
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