Finn Russell is straight back into action for Glasgow Warriors after just one warm-up game while Gregor Townsend will be forced to look to youth as Ulster come to another sold-out Scotstoun tonight.
Russell and Mark Bennett make their first starts of the season as the Warriors suffered another injury blow yesterday with the news that Peter Horne broke a bone in his hand in Cardiff next week and will miss six weeks.
That adds to a growing crisis in the back and second rows with eight men who can fill those positions ruled out. Rob Harley (knee), Josh Strauss (head knock) and Tim Swinson (ribs) joined that section of the casualty list this week.
That means that Namibian Tijuee Uanivi will make his first start after two replacement appearances at blindside flanker while Lewis Wynne, who has impressed with a phenomenal workrate off the bench in all three Guinness PRO12 games so far, also gets his first start on the open side.
On the bench, 18-year-old Dundee-born Matt Fagerson – younger brother of tighthead Zander – and 22 year old second rower Sam Thomson are set to make their pro debuts.
But most attention will feature on Russell, who had a prolonged recovery from the fearsome head knock he suffered colliding with the elder Fagerson during Glasgow’s play-off semi-final loss to Connacht back in May.
The Scotland stand-off finally returned to action playing for Ayr against Hawick in the BT Premiership last week under the watch of both Vern Cotter and Townsend, and passed with flying colours.
“It’s a boost to have Finn back,” said Townsend. “He’s been really positive since his return to training and played well for Ayr last weekend.”
Having Henry Pyrgos back as well after he missed the Cardiff match will help ease Russell back on what is his 24th birthday. Similarly, Alex Dunbar returns to the centre after a week off to partner Bennett, restoring their successful partnership for both the Warriors and Scotland.
Wynne and Uanivi, who the Warriors hope will have the same impact as Leone Nakarawa did for them, had earned their places, said Townsend.
“It’s a special occasion for Lewis and Tjiuee making their first starts,” he continued. “Lewis is learning every week and is working hard for the team and deserves his starting place. We’re also looking forward to seeing Tjiuee starting after some impressive appearances off the bench.”
Leonardo Sarto, another who missed the loss in Cardiff, returns to the wing, while Greg Peterson will make his first appearance of the season in the second row.
“Ulster are a quality team and have recruited very well this season,” added Townsend. “We know it’ll be a tough test but it’s a game we’re all really looking forward to.”
Ulster have moved Charles Piutau to the wing to allow Jarrod Payne to return and Ireland captain Rory Best is set to make his first appearance of the new season off the bench.
Glasgow Warriors team (to play Ulster at Scotstoun Stadium, tonight kick-off 7.35pm, live on BBC Two Scotland): Stuart Hogg; Leonardo Sarto, Mark Bennett, Alex Dunbar, Tommy Seymour; Finn Russell, Henry Pyrgos; Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson; Greg Peterson, Jonny Gray; Tjiuee Uanivi, Lewis Wynne, Ryan Wilson.
Replacements: Pat MacArthur, Alex Allan, Sila Puafisi, Sam Thomson, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price, Nick Grigg, Rory Hughes.
Ulster: J Payne, L Ludik, D Cave, S McCloskey, C Piutau; P Jackson, R Pienaar; A Warwick, R Herring (capt), R Ah You, A O’Connor, F van der Merwe; I Henderson, S Reidy, R Wilson.
Replacements: R Best, C Black, R Kane, P Browne, C Ross, P Marshall, S Olding, R Lyttle.
