Dougie Hall will make his 150th league appearance tomorrow night when he starts for Glasgow Warriors away to Connacht in the RaboDirect PRO12.

The experienced hooker replaces Pat MacArthur for the trip to Galway.

Niko Matawalu comes in for Sean Maitland at full-back, while Byron McGuigan and DTH van der Merwe continue on either wing.

Mark Bennett and Gabriel Ascarate form the centre partnership, while Duncan Weir and Chris Cusiter continue at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.

In the pack Gordon Reid and Jon Welsh complete the front-row, while Jonny Gray and Tom Ryder combine in the second-row.

Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro and Josh Strauss make up the backrow.

The Warriors have won all three of their away games in the PRO12 this season and have won on two of their last three visits to Ireland.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “We were all disappointed with the defeat to Munster last weekend and we're determined to pick ourselves up for what will be another tough game tomorrow night.

“Connacht are playing very well under Pat Lam and came very close to beating Saracens and Leinster in recent weeks, so we know how difficult this game will be.

“Due to the upcoming autumn tests we’ve made a few changes, which is an opportunity for a number of other players in the squad."


Glasgow Warriors team to play Connacht in the RaboDirect PRO12, Scotstoun Stadium, Saturday 2 November (kick-off 5pm):


15. Niko Matawalu

14. Byron McGuigan

13. Mark Bennett

12. Gabriel Ascarate

11. DTH van der Merwe

10. Duncan Weir

9. Chris Cusiter (Captain)


1. Gordon Reid

2. Dougie Hall

3. Jon Welsh

4. Tom Ryder

5. Jonny Gray

6. Rob Harley

7. Chris Fusaro

8. Josh Strauss


16. Fraser Brown

17. Moray Low

18. Ed Kalman

19. Richie Vernon

20. Leone Nakarawa

21. Tyrone Holmes

22. Scott Wight

23. Finn Russell

Not available due to injury: Mike Cusack (shoulder), Alex Dunbar (neck/shoulder), Finlay Gillies (hamstring), Stuart Hogg (wrist), Peter Horne (knee), Peter Murchie (shoulder) and Ryan Wilson (shoulder).

This article was posted on 1-Nov-2013, 11:52 by Hugh Barrow.