two changes to the Warriors from the XV

SCRUM-HALF Jamie Dobie and hooker Gregor Hiddleston have replaced George Horne (moved to the bench) and Johnny Matthews (knee injury) respectively in the Glasgow Warriors starting XV to face Edinburgh at Murrayfield tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, while Rory Darge has recovered concussion to be named among the replacements.

The other change to the matchday squad sees Sam Talakai take over from Patrick Schickerling as tight-head cover the Warriors look set to make it a festive season, double over their inter-city rivals who have run out 33-14 winners when the two sides met in the first game of this year 1872 Cup at Hampden on Sunday.

“We expect a strong response from Edinburgh after last weekend and we know we have to keep focusing on ourselves and our own processes to meet that challenge,” said head coach Franco Smith. “All players want to be involved in derby games, especially in front of a crowd like the one that awaits us in Edinburgh tomorrow. We are excited for the test that awaits us and we look forward to meeting that test head on.”

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Glasgow Warriors (vs Edinburgh at Muaryfield Stadium on Saturday 3pm UK time, live on Premier Sports): K Rowe; S Cancelliere, H Jones, S Tuipulotu, K Steyn ©; T Jordan, J Dobie; J Bhatti, JG Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, G Brown, S Cummings, A Miller, M Fagerson, J Mann. Subs: G Stewart, R Sutherland, S Talakai, A Samuel, R Darge, A Fraser, G Horne, D Weir.

Not available for selection: Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Johnny Matthews (knee), Nathan McBeth (calf), Stafford McDowall (suspension), JP du Preez (knee), Jare Oguntibeju (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Henco Venter (head), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

1872 Cup: Edinburgh v Glasgow: Sean Everitt shuffles the pack but keeps faith with the back line