Franco Smith believes there is “more to come” from Glasgow Warriors as Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu and fellow international Fin Richardson come into the line-up for Saturday’s first home United Rugby Championship fixture of the season against Ulster.
Tuipulotu’s introduction at inside centre means a move to outside centre for Glasgow captain Stafford McDowall as Ollie Smith drops out.
Richardson replaces Murphy Walker at tighthead prop while another Scotland cap, back-row Rory Darge, could make his season’s first appearance from the bench. Scrum-half Callum Reidy could make his Warriors debut as a replacement.
Ulster lost at home to Edinburgh on Friday before Warriors won away to Munster the following day.
“Our hard work last week paid off with the right result but we know that there is still more to come from this group of players,” said head coach Smith.
“Ulster will be a tough opponent as we see year upon year – they play well both at home and away and have international quality throughout their squad, so we know we will have a tough challenge in front of us on Saturday.
“We’re looking forward to running out at Scotstoun for the first time this season – a lot of work has gone in behind the scenes to get the pitch and the stadium ready for this weekend and we want to go out and produce a performance that reflects that effort.”
Glasgow team to face Ulster: Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall (capt), Sione Tuipulotu, Jamie Dobie, Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Patrick Schickerling, Gregor Hiddleston, Fin Richardson, Gregor Brown, Max Williamson, Ally Miller, Angus Fraser, Matt Fagerson.
Replacements: Seb Stephen, Nathan McBeth, Sam Talakai, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Macenzzie Duncan, Callum Reidy, Bayley Kuenzle.