URC-winning skipper Kyle Steyn is one of eight changes to the Glasgow Warriors starting XV to face the Vodacom Bulls at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday night.
The defending champions host Jake White’s charges in round 16 of the competition. The Bulls were victorious last season in the corresponding fixture at Loftus, but Franco Smith’s Warriors exacted revenge in the Pretoria final.
Steyn shifts to outside centre to lead Glasgow in their final home match of the regular season. Smith has re-jigged the lineup that beat Zebre last week, with one eye on a top-two finish after securing a home quarter-final.
The third-placed Bulls remain direct rivals, and Smith knows his side will need to match their physicality.
“The Bulls will pose an extremely physical test tomorrow night, one that we know we will need to match across the field,” he told the club’s website. “Training this week has been fully focused on ensuring we display the best version of ourselves.”
TEAM: Willie, Eskom back for Bulls
Steyn partners Stafford McDowall in midfield, while Ollie Smith starts at fullback in place of Josh McKay. Sebastian Cancelliere and Kyle Rowe complete the back three. George Horne, one point shy of 500 in a Glasgow jersey, starts at scrumhalf alongside Tom Jordan.
Up front, Gregor Hiddleston retains his place at hooker, joined by props Nathan McBeth and Patrick Schickerling.
Lock Max Williamson returns from injury to pair with Alex Samuel in the engine room. Jack Mann anchors the back row, flanked by Gregor Brown and Rory Darge.
Scott Cummings is back on the bench after a four-month injury absence. “We’re pleased to welcome Scott back… he has worked tirelessly with our medical and S&C teams to return in top shape,” Smith added.
Jamie Bhatti, Johnny Matthews and Sam Talakai cover the front row. Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu drop to the bench, while Jamie Dobie and Adam Hastings — set for his first Bulls clash in Warriors colours — cover the backline.
Photo: Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock
