Fergus Watson Debuts for Glasgow Warriors Against Benetton in URC Clash
Fergus Watson will make his first appearance for Glasgow Warriors in Friday’s URC clash with Benetton at Scotstoun Stadium. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
Watson debuts for the Glasgow side amid a reshaped pack. Johnny Matthews returns from injury to start at hooker.
It is Matthews’ first outing since December. Gregor Hiddleston has been given a rest.
Forwards and bench changes
Jare Oguntibeju and Max Williamson start in the second row. Williamson returns after Scotland squad involvement.
Alex Samuel and Alex Craig drop to the bench. Jamie Bhatti is included in the match-day 23 as loose-head cover.
Rory Sutherland is unavailable with a wrist problem. Several other players are also ruled out through injury.
Coach reaction
Head coach Franco Smith praised Watson’s work with medical and S&C staff. He said the player has earned this opportunity.
Smith warned that Benetton will be a stern test. He noted they sit in the playoff mix and possess international quality.
Team selection (v Benetton, Scotstoun Stadium)
- Starters: J McKay; F Watson, H Jones, S Tuipulotu (c), O Smith; A Hastings, B Afshar; P Schickerling, J Matthews, F Richardson, J Oguntibeju, M Williamson, E Ferrie, S Vailanu, M Duncan.
- Replacements: S Stephen, J Bhatti, S Talakai, A Samuel, A Craig, A Fraser, J Oliver, D Lancaster.
Unavailable
- Gregor Brown – hamstring.
- Scott Cummings – calf.
- Jamie Dobie – shoulder.
- Nathan McBeth – ankle.
- Charlie Savala – knee.
- Kyle Steyn – foot.
- Rory Sutherland – wrist.
- Tavi Tuipulotu – knee.
Filmogaz.com will carry full build-up, live updates, and post-match reaction. Readers can follow coverage after kick-off.
