Zebre v Glasgow - RaboDirect PRO12 preview
Ryan Wilson captain Glasgow as they return to RaboDirect PRO12 action this weekend with a clash against Zebre in Parma.
Last Updated: 10/02/13 1:42pm
Back-rower Wilson is joined by seven others from the Scotland A squad who beat the England Saxons south of the border for the first time last week, while Rory Lamont also makes his comeback, one year after suffering a serious leg injury while on duty for Scotland.
The Warriors have also been lifted by the news that Tongan prop Ofa Fainga'anuku has extended his stay in Scotland, signing a contract extension that runs until the end of the season, subject to a work permit.
"Obviously a lot of our players are involved with the Scotland set-up but the strength of the side we are able to field is a testament to the quality of players we have at the club," said Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend.
"Any game away in Italy is a real challenge and we have to make sure that we are sharp and ready for Zebre. Last week we focused on skill work, games and fitness at training, while this week has been focused on preparing to win on our return to competitive rugby.
Meanwhile, Hosts Zebre are missing Italy fly-half Luciano Orquera so Australian Daniel Halangahu starts in his stead.
Also missing due to international call-ups for the Six Nations are wing Giovanbattista Venditti, centre Gonzalo Garcia, prop Davide Giazzon and second-row Quintin Geldenhuys.
Zebre: 15 Tito Tebaldi, 14 Andrea Bacchetti, 13 Roberto Quartaroli, 12 Matteo Pratichetti, 11 Alessandro Castagnoli, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Alberto Chillon, 8 Dries van Schalkwyk, 7 Mauro Bergamasco (capt), 6 Filippo Cristiano, 5 Josh Sole, 4 Michael van Vuren, 3 David Ryan, 2 Andrea Manici, 1 Matias Aguero
Replacements: 16 Carlo Festuccia, 17 Salvatore Perugini, 18 Luca Redolfini, 19 Marco Bortolami, 20 Emiliano Caffini, 21 Filippo Ferrarini, 22 Alberto Chiesa, 23 Alberto Benettin
Glasgow Warriors: 15 Peter Murchie, 14 Rory Lamont, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Byron McGuigan, 10 Scott Wight, 9 Niko Matawalu, 8 Ryan Wilson (capt), 7 John Barclay, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 Tom Ryder, 3 Jon Welsh, 2 Gerwyn Price, 1 Gordon Reid
Replacements: 16 Fraser Brown, 17 Ed Kalman, 18 Ofa Fainga'anuku, 19 Nick Campbell, 20 James Eddie, 21 Sean Kennedy, 22 Finn Russell, 23 Fraser Thomson