Tagive returns from injury for trip to Dragons
Winger Ratu Tagive will play his first game of the season against the Dragons this Friday having successfully recovered from an achilles injury suffered in pre-season.
The 26-year-old has been playing for Currie Chieftains in the BT Premiership on his road back to full fitness and scored a try against the Dragons in Glasgow’s victory over the Newport side at Scotstoun last season.
Tagive is joined in the back-three by Ruaridh Jackson and Lee Jones, both of whom have been released to play by the national side.
Nick Grigg is another starting for the Warriors who has spent the past few weeks in the Scotland camp. He is joined in midfield by Brandon Thomson, starting at 12 for the first time.
George Horne and Adam Hastings start together in the half-back positions, Hastings having trained with Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad over the last few weeks.
Man of the Match in Glasgow’s last game against Exeter Chiefs, Matt Fagerson starts in the back-row alongside Adam Ashe and Chris Fusaro.
Rob Harley returns from national duty to captain the side from the engine room where he his partnered by Greg Peterson.
Up front Alex Allan, James Malcolm and Siua Halanukonuka combine.
On the bench, Paddy Kelly is involved for the first time this season having recovered from an ankle injury sustained playing club rugby.
Henry Pyrgos and D’Arcy Rae also return from Scotland camp to be involved in the matchday 23.
Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “We gave the boys ten days off after Exeter and they came back in enthused and looking sharp.
“Ratu has worked hard on his rehab and has played a bit of club footy the past few weeks. He’s a hell of an athlete and we’re excited to see how he goes.
“The Dragons are a strong side, especially at home and we’re going to have to play well across the board to get a result.”
Glasgow Warriors team to play the Dragons in the Guinness PRO14, kick-off 7.35pm. Live on BBC Wales.
You can also follow the action on Twitter @GlasgowWarriors. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets:
15. Ruaridh Jackson (130)
14. Lee Jones (70)
13. Nick Grigg (35)
12. Brandon Thomson (7)
11. Ratu Tagive (2)
10. Adam Hastings (4)
9. George Horne (14)
1. Alex Allan (67)
2. James Malcolm (22)
3. Siua Halanukonuka (9)
4. Rob Harley (C) (175)
5. Greg Peterson (27)
6. Matt Fagerson (18)
7. Chris Fusaro (134)
8. Adam Ashe (50)
Replacements:
16. Grant Stewart (2)
17. Oli Kebble (4)
18. D’Arcy Rae (37)
19. Kiran McDonald (8)
20. Matt Smith (14)
21. Henry Pyrgos (138)
22. Paddy Kelly (1)
23. Niko Matawalu (88)
Not available due to injury: Brian Alainu’uese (knee), Fraser Brown (head), Scott Cummings (hand), Alex Dunbar (thigh), Zander Fagerson (foot), Callum Gibbins (achilles), Ryan Grant (groin), Rory Hughes (shoulder), Sam Johnson (jaw), Lelia Masaga (knee), Pat MacArthur (shoulder), Leo Sarto (shoulder), Tim Swinson (hand) and George Turner (knee).
Not available due to international commitments: Jamie Bhatti (Scotland), Jonny Gray (Scotland), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Peter Horne (Scotland), Huw Jones (Scotland) Ali Price (Scotland), Finn Russell (Scotland), Tommy Seymour (Scotland) and Ryan Wilson (Scotland).
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