Alastair Kellock returns to skipper Glasgow in Friday's PRO12 opener
Gregor Townsend has named his side for Friday night's PRO12 opener against Cardiff Blues at Scotsoun (ko 7.35pm).
Captain Alastair Kellock has been recalled and will partner new Scotland cap Tim Swinson in the second row, with Scotland under-20 captain Jonny Gray providing cover amongst the replacements.
The only change to the backline which started the 29-26 win over Exeter Chiefs last Saturday is the inclusion of Mark Bennett at outside centre. Sean Lamont moves to the right wing, with Tommy Seymour dropping to the bench.
That means Peter Murchie continues at full-back, Bennett partners Alex Dunbar at centre, Byron McGuigan keeps his place on the left wing after scoring three tries in the last two games, with Scott Wight and Henry Pyrgos pairing up again at half-back.
After an impressive debut from the bench against the Chiefs Jerry Yanuyanutawa starts his first game for the club at loosehead, with Pat MacArthur coming in at hooker and Ed Kalman completing the front row.
Richie Vernon starts at number eight, with Chris Fusaro at openside and Rob Harley starting on the blindside.
Ruaridh Jackson has been included on the bench, along with Chris Cusiter, who returned to action last weekend after an 11-month spell on the sidelines. Fraser Brown, Gordon Reid, Moray Low, Tyrone Holmes and Gray are the other replacements.
There are only around 500 tickets left for the game and they can be purchased online at www.glasgowwarriors.org and by calling the ticket office on 0844 800 3490 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
Head coach Gregor said: “We’re all really looking forward to getting our new season underway in front of our home support.
“The players have worked extremely hard over the last few months and they are in great physical shape going into this game.
“Cardiff Blues have a very strong squad, and have been in impressive form in pre-season, so we’ll have to be at our best to get our season off to a winning start.
“We finished last season with a run of seven straight victories at home and those selected will be doing all they can to continue that form into the new season.
“We had some great nights at Scotstoun last season and our supporters always give the team a huge boost, so I’m sure they’ll get right behind them again tomorrow night.”
Glasgow Warriors

15 Peter Murchie
14 Sean Lamont
13 Mark Bennett
12 Alex Dunbar
11 Byron McGuigan
10 Scott Wight
9 Henry Pyrgos
1 Jerry Yanuyanutawa
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Ed Kalman
4 Tim Swinson
5 Alastair Kellock (Captain)
6 Robert Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Richie Vernon
Substitutes
16 Fraser Brown
17 Gordon Reid
18 Moray Low
19 Tyrone Holmes
20 Jonny Gray
21 Chris Cusiter
22 Ruaridh Jackson
23 Tommy Seymour
Not available due to injury: Gabriel Ascarate (chest), Michael Cusack (shoulder), Peter Horne (knee), Nikola Matawalu (foot), Duncan Weir (ankle), Ryan Wilson (shoulder)
Cardiff Blues

15 Tom Williams
14 Harry Robinson
13 Owen Williams
12 Gavin Evans
11 Chris Czekaj
10 Rhys Patchell
9 Lloyd Williams
1 Taufa'ao Filise
2 Matthew Rees (Captain)
3 Scott Andrews
4 Bradley Davies
5 Filo Paulo
6 Macauley Cook
7 Josh Navidi
8 Robin Copeland
Substitutes
16 Marc Breeze
17 Sam Hobbs
18 Benoit Bourrust
19 James Down
20 Luke Hamilton
21 Lewis Jones
22 Gareth Davies
23 Dafydd Hewitt

This article was posted on 5-Sep-2013, 14:49 by Hugh Barrow.