Henco Venter returns from suspension to start at No 8 for Glasgow Warriors against the Stormers in Friday night’s Vodacom URC quarter-final at Scotstoun.
Venter slots into a reshaped back row alongside Rory Darge and Euan Ferrie, while head coach Franco Smith has also recalled fullback Josh McKay from injury as the defending champions gear up for a repeat of last season’s last-eight duel with the Stormers.
SA-born Scotland international Kyle Steyn leads the team from the wing, with Kyle Rowe and McKay completing the back three.
In the midfield, Sione Tuipulotu returns for his first home appearance since January, joined by Stafford McDowall. George Horne and Tom Jordan form the halfback pairing.
TEAM: Stormers recall big guns for Glasgow revenge
Up front, only Jamie Bhatti remains from the starting front row that faced Leinster in round 18. Gregor Hiddleston and Murphy Walker, who makes his first start of the season, join him. Scott Cummings partners Alex Samuel at lock.
Jack Mann and Sam Talakai are back on the bench while academy flanker Macenzzie Duncan retains his place after impressing in Dublin. Adam Hastings, named among the replacements, is in line for his first URC playoff outing since the 2019 PRO14 final.
“The Stormers bring a dangerous mix of physicality and flair. Their backline can hurt you from anywhere,” Smith told the club’s website. “We’ll need to be at our best, but with the energy at Scotstoun, we’re ready for the challenge.”
Photo: Ewan Bootman/SNS Group via Getty Images
