Captain Al Kellock has been named in the Glasgow Warriors side to play Edinburgh Rugby at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday in the second leg of the 1872 Cup.

Kellock returns to the second row alongside Jonny Gray, making his first appearance since the 29-10 win over Benetton Treviso earlier this month.

The Warriors are 20-16 ahead after the first leg, which was played at Murrayfield on Boxing Day. The second leg was due to be played on New Year’s Day at Scotstoun but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

A win for Glasgow on Saturday would see them move from 4th to 2nd in the RaboDirect PRO12, with just two rounds of the regular season remaining.

Peter Murchie continues at full-back and Tommy Seymour and Sean Maitland line up on either wing.

Mark Bennett keeps his place at outside centre following his man of the match performance against Ulster last week and Finn Russell switches from fly-half to inside centre in place of the injured Peter Horne.

Ruaridh Jackson comes in at fly-half and Chris Cusiter continues at scrum-half.

There are three changes in the pack following last week’s win over Ulster.

Ryan Grant comes in for Gordon Reid, Kellock replaces Tim Swinson and Rob Harley is promoted from the bench to start at blindside flanker, with Josh Strauss moving to No 8 and Ryan Wilson named among the replacements.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “We were pleased with aspects of the game against Ulster last week, in particular the performance over the last 50 minutes. It's imperative that we back that up against Edinburgh on Saturday.

“Edinburgh are a really physical side who have beaten Leinster, Munster and Ospreys this season, so we know we're facing a strong challenge.

Every game we play just now has added importance and although we’ve put ourselves in a good position in the league, there is a lot of rugby still to be played.

“Focus and accuracy will be key elements in order to build on our momentum on Saturday night – and if we’re to secure vital league points and retain the 1872 Cup.

“Everyone has had to wait a while for this game but it should be a fantastic occasion and we’re all really looking forward to it.”

The capacity of Scotstoun has been increased to around 10,000 for the remainder of the season and more than 7,700 tickets have already been sold for the game.

Tickets are available from glasgowwarriors.org or by phoning the ticket office on 0844 800 3490 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).

The ticket office at Scotstoun will be open on Saturday from 10.30am and tickets will be available right up until kick-off (subject to availability).

Glasgow Warriors team to play Edinburgh Rugby, RaboDirect PRO12, Scotstoun Stadium, Saturday 26 April (kick-off 7.05pm) – live on BBC ALBA:
15. Peter Murchie
14. Sean Maitland
13. Mark Bennett
12. Finn Russell
11. Tommy Seymour
10. Ruaridh Jackson
9. Chris Cusiter

1. Ryan Grant
2. Dougie Hall
3. Jon Welsh
4. Jonny Gray
5. Al Kellock (Captain)
6. Rob Harley
7. Chris Fusaro
8. Josh Strauss

Substitutes

16. Pat MacArthur
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Moray Low
19. Leone Nakarawa
20. Ryan Wilson
21. Niko Matawalu
22. Duncan Weir
23. Richie Vernon

This article was posted on 24-Apr-2014, 09:12 by Hugh Barrow.