Glasgow Warriors approach this game off the back of a very good run in the PRO12 having won their last five fixtures, although narrow losses in the European tournament have put a slight halt on their momentum.
The Dragons face this game hoping to bounce back after a heavy home defeat to table toppers Ulster. With only losing one player to international duty, the Dragons should have the continuity and depth in their squad to really challenge the Warriors.
Glasgow have lost numerous players to international call ups and injury which has left them very light in their backline, yet young Canadian star Taylor Paris will look to shine in his first appearance for his side.
Their pack meanwhile, despite being depleted, is still a very tough unit and with the effective Chris Fusaro in their backrow they will be looking to dominate the breakdown.
The forwards have been the Dragons’ Achilles heel this season and even against a weakened Glasgow pack, they will be up against it, particularly their front row.
The Dragons will need Robling and Evans to really step up and help secure them the ball at the breakdown, as the service scrum half Johnny Evans can provide to his backline is sublime and with danger runners in Dan Evans, Prydie and Chavhanga to bring into the game, if they get enough ball, they can pose dangerous out wide that Glasgow could struggle to contend with.
The visitors will have to target the breakdown and the inexperienced Glasgow half backs if they are to have a chance of disrupting the Warriors’ Pro12 form. Glasgow will need to keep the ball secure with their hardier forwards and punish the Dragons up front.
If the Warriors are able to get a larger share of possession, they should, especially with a solid centre partnership, have enough in their side to power to a win. The Dragons however have the men to cause the home side problems; it’s just whether or not their forwards can secure them enough clean possession to do so.
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
Teams
Glasgow: Peter Murchie, Tommy Seymour, Alex Dunbar, Troy Nathan, Taylor Paris, Scott Wight, Niko Matawalu, Gordon Reid, Dougie Hall, Mike Cusack, Tom Ryder, Tim Swinson, Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro (CAPTAIN), Josh Strauss
Replacements: Finlay Gillies, Ofa Fainga’anuku, German Araoz, James Eddie, John Barclay, Ryan Wilson, Sean Kennedy,Peter Horne
Replacements: Finlay Gillies, Ofa Fainga’anuku, German Araoz, James Eddie, John Barclay, Ryan Wilson, Sean Kennedy,Peter Horne
Dragons: Dan Evans, Tonderai Chavhanga, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Tom Prydie, Lewis Robling; Jonathan Evans; Phil Price, Steve Jones, Nathan Buck, Ian Nimmo, Rob Sidoli, Lewis Evans (c), Nic Cudd, Tom Brown.
Replacements: Hugh Gustafson, Nathan Williams, Dan Way, Adam Jones, Jevon Groves, Liam Davies, Steffan Jones, Hallam Amos.
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