McKay returns for Glasgow Warriors as two in line for debut

The 28-year-old is one of 10 changes to the team that claimed a bonus-point win in Parma last weekend, whilst two of the club’s academy talents – Dylan Cockburn and Matthew Urwin – could make their professional debuts tomorrow night after being named amongst the replacements.

Seb Stephen is the only alteration to the front-row that started last weekend, packing down between Jamie Bhatti and Murphy Walker at the coal-face.

Jare Oguntibeju comes into the second-row to start alongside Alex Craig, the latter one of five players released from Scotland camp to feature tomorrow night.

An all-new back-row sees Ally Miller line up at number eight, with Euan Ferrie and Angus Fraser starting on the flanks for tomorrow’s clash.

Behind the scrum, Dan Lancaster returns to start at fly-half after being rested last time out, pairing up with Ben Afshar in the half-backs.

Stafford McDowall leads the team from outside centre, the Scotland international partnering Kerr Yule in the midfield.

McKay is joined in the back-three by Kyle Rowe and Ollie Smith, the former having jointly-topped the charts for defenders beaten league-wide last weekend.

Former Scotland U20 standouts Cockburn and Urwin are included in a senior matchday 23 for the first time, the pair having both impressed in the club’s pre-season matches against Bath and Northampton Saints.

Elsewhere, Grant Stewart and Sione Vailanu are both set to make their first appearances of the season from the bench tomorrow night, forming part of a six-two split of forwards and backs awaiting their opportunity.

Nathan McBeth and Sam Talakai join Stewart as the front-row cover, whilst Macenzzie Duncan wears the number 21 jersey as he covers the back-row.

The matchday 23 is rounded out by Jack Oliver, the academy scrum-half set to face his former club under the Friday night lights.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org; “We are looking forward to seeing our full squad involved this weekend, with everyone eager to finish this block in the right manner.

“Munster are a proud club with a strong heritage of challenging across all competitions – they will be pushing for the top four once again this season and will bring a strong, physical challenge tomorrow night.

“Everyone is looking forward to the test that lies ahead, and running out in front of what’s set to be another sold out Scotstoun.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Munster at Scotstoun, Friday 30 January, kick-off 7.45pm UK time. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (130)
2 Seb Stephen (10)
3 Murphy Walker (20)
4 Alex Craig (12)
5 Jare Oguntibeju (14)
6 Euan Ferrie (48)
7 Angus Fraser (23)
8 Ally Miller (42)

9 Ben Afshar (31)
10 Dan Lancaster (12)
11 Ollie Smith (56)
12 Kerr Yule (2)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (107)
14 Kyle Rowe (45)
15 Josh McKay (71)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (60)
17 Nathan McBeth (65)
18 Sam Talakai (33)
19 Dylan Cockburn (0)
20 Sione Vailanu (35)
21 Macenzzie Duncan (9)
22 Jack Oliver (1)
23 Matthew Urwin (0)

Unavailable for selection: Johnny Matthews (neck), Alex Samuel (shoulder), Charlie Savala (knee), Patrick Schickerling (head), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee).

International duty: Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings, Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge, Jamie Dobie, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Adam Hastings, Gregor Hiddleston, George Horne, Huw Jones, Kyle Steyn, Rory Sutherland, Sione Tuipulotu, Max Williamson.