Dragons v Glasgow: Teams
Glasgow Warriors head voach Sean Lineen has made six changes for the trip to Newport-Gwent Dragons.
Last Updated: 04/10/09 6:30pm
Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen has made six changes to the starting XV that won the first two matches of the Magners League season.
Having come out on top during a bruising encounter against the Scarlets on Sunday, Lineen stressed that it was always in his thoughts to freshen things up in week three due to the tight turnaround ahead of Friday's showdown at Rodney Parade.
"We've made a few changes, but it was always in the plan," said Lineen.
"However, we've had to make a couple more through injury. This week will really test the depth of our squad."
Two of the six changes are in the backs where Scotland sevens international Colin Shaw takes over on the left wing from Thom Evans who is ruled out with a trapped nerve in his neck.
Elsehwere, Mark McMillan comes in for Chris Cusiter at scrum-half to partner Dan Parks as Cusiter is unavailable for family reasons.
Intent
In the pack, it's all change either side of hooker Dougie Hall. Jon Welsh is rested after three big performances against Wasps, Munster and Scarlets and makes way for Samoan international Justin Va'a who will make his first appearance of the season.
Ed Kalman is brought in at tight-head for Moray Low who nurses a recurring ankle problem.
In the second row, Dan Turner swaps his place on last week's bench with captain Alastair Kellock whilst fellow Scotland 'A' international Calum Forrester is given the nod ahead of Kelly Brown who moves to the bench.
Lineen continued: "This is the first of four games against the Dragons this season, but it's all about Glasgow. We're going down there with real intent. There's a confidence and a belief in this squad and we're hungry to get a result."
Meanwhile, Dragons centre Ashley Smith is set to captain the home side. The 22-year-old captained the team last season, both in a friendly against Worcester and in the team's EDF fixtures.
"Obviously it is a big blow to have lost Tom Willis and then Luke Charteris," said Dragons head coach Paul Turner.
"But the guys showed in the Leinster game that they are able to step up and I am confident that Ashley will do the same tomorrow. He has shown himself to be a strong leader within the team.
"The return of Danny Lee, Joe Bearman and Lewis Evans will be an obvious boost, and with several of our injured players looking to return in the next week or so, we are looking in good shape," added Turner.
Dragons: 15 Jason Tovey, 14 Aled Brew, 13 Tom Riley, 12 Ashley Smith (c), 11 Richard Fussell, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Joe Bearman, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Rob Sidoli, 4 Adam Jones, 3 Nigel Hall, 2 Steve Jones , 1 Ali McKenzie.
Replacements: 16 Duane Goodfield, 17 Hugh Gustafson, 18 Gethin Robinson, 19 Lewis Evans, 20 Grant Webb, 21 Martyn Thomas, 22 Danny Lee.
Glasgow: 15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 Rob Dewey, 13 Peter Murchie, 12 Graeme Morrison (c), 11 Colin Shaw, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Calum Forrester, 5 Dan Turner, 4 Tim Barker, 3 Ed Kalman, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Justin Va'a.
Replacements: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Kevin Tkachuk, 18 Alastair Kellock, 19 Kelly Brown, 20 Colin Gregor, 21 Peter Horne, 22 Hefin O'Hare.