"We're expecting a real test on Friday night. Glasgow are always a difficult team to beat, especially at home as our record up there suggests with just the one away victory over them in our short history. We had our first experience of Firhill last season on a wet and windy evening and that will stand us in good stead for Friday as we aim to maintain what has been a very solid start to our Magners League campaign.
"There's no doubt that it's been a difficult week with three matches in just seven days and the travelling to Ireland and Scotland thrown in for good measure, and it is providing a true test of our squad depth. Nevertheless, we are once again able to name a strong team and bench for the challenge that Glasgow will undoubtedly present.
"There are a lot of familiar faces is the twenty-two, but we also have a good splash of youth in the likes of Gareth Owen, Dan Biggar, Tom Smith and Ed Shervington, which is a real indication of the good work we are doing here to develop the best local young talent. Everybody is looking forward to the challenge, Glasgow played some exciting rugby last season and have started well this time around with a good win at Rodney Parade against the Dragons last weekend. They have a lively back row, a solid set piece and an excellent tactical kicking game led by Dan Parks. We are well aware that we'll have to be at our best but with fresh legs in the team and a confidence and determined attitude amongst our group of players, Friday will also be a difficult night for the Warriors."
Team:
15 Gareth Owen
14 Johnny Vaughton
13 David Bishop
12 Andrew Bishop
11 Nikki Walker
10 Daniel Biggar
9 Jamie Nutbrown
8 Filo Tiatia
7 Marty Holah
6 Tom Smith
5 Alun Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Cai Griffiths
2 Ed Shervington
1 Paul James ©
Replacements:
16 Huw Bennett
17 Duncan Jones
18 Andy Lloyd
19 Jonathan Thomas
20 Rhys Webb
21 James Hook
22 Kristian Phillips
Injury news :
The following players are not available for selection due to injury:
Ben Lewis is recovering well after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery to his right knee and is on target for a November return
Gavin Henson is on target for an early October return to action following keyhole surgery on damaged ankle ligaments
Mike Phillips is on target for an early October return after undergoing surgery to repair damage to his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments
Richard Hibbard is recovering well after recently undergoing minor surgery on his shoulder and is hopeful of being available for selection before the end of September
Lyndon Bateman has been experiencing a recurring back injury and misses the first week of the season
Forthcoming fixtures are as follows:
Friday 19th September - Leinster V Ospreys - Magners League - Royal Dublin Society - 7.35pm
Saturday 27th September - Ospreys V Ulster - Magners League - Liberty Stadium - 5.30pm
63x46.png){kind=logo}