Ospreys v Glasgow Warriors: Guinness PRO12 preview

Duncan Weir: Makes his return for Glasgow in Swansea

Glasgow Warriors fly-half Duncan Weir will make his first start since December in Friday’s crunch Guinness PRO12 clash with the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

Scotland international Weir has made two appearances off the bench since recovering from a bicep injury, and Gregor Townsend has promoted him to the starting line-up as they attempt to book a home play-off.

Weir replaces Finn Russell in the No 10 shirt and is the only change to the backline which started in their bonus-point win at Connacht last month.

Ryan Grant and Pat MacArthur come into the front row, with lock Tim Swinson preferred to Leone Nakawara. No 8 Josh Strauss replaces Adam Ashe and will skipper the side.

"We're well aware of the importance of tomorrow night's game and what it means to everyone associated with the club,” said Townsend.

"Securing our place in the play-offs is a massive achievement, but we're now playing for home advantage and we know these next two games are crucial to achieving that outcome.”

The Ospreys have lost their last seven matches against Glasgow, including a 19-16 reverse at Scotstoun in February, but Steve Tandy’s side are on a four-game winning run.

Jeff Hassler makes his first appearance in five months after recovering from a knee injury, while fellow Canadian Tyler Ardron partners captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row.

There is no place for Wales international Dan Lydiate in the back row, with Wales team-mate James King getting the nod at blindside.

“We’re all really looking forward to this one, it should be a great contest and the kind of game that you want to be involved in as a player, coach, or supporter,” said Tandy.

“There’s going to be a good crowd at the Liberty and they can play their part from first whistle to last.” 

Ospreys: 15 Dan Evans, 14 Jeff Hassler, 13 Ben John, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Eli Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Aaron Jarvis, 4 Tyler Ardron, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 6 James King, 7 Justin Tipuric, 8 Dan Baker.

Replacements: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Marc Thomas, 18 Dmitri Arhip, 19 Rory Thornton, 20 Dan Lydiate, 21 Tom Habberfield, 22 Sam Davies, 23 Jonathan Spratt.

Glasgow Warriors: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Richie Vernon, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Niko Matawalu, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Henry Pyrgos; 1 Ryan Grant, 2 Pat MacArthur, 3 Jon Welsh, 4 Tim Swinson, 5 Jonny Gray, 6 Rob Harley, 7 Chris Fusaro, 8 Josh Strauss (c).

Replacements: 16 Fraser Brown, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 Euan Murray, 19 Leone Nakarawa, 20 Ryan Wilson, 21 Lee Jones, 22 Fraser Lyle, 23 Peter Murchie.