Naiyaravoro to make Glasgow debut

Taqele Naiyaravoro, pictured in action for the Barbarians, will make his Glasgow debut tonight against Dragons. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

The Fijian-born 23-year-old was Glasgow’s big summer signing from Super Rugby and looked as if he would be heading to the World Cup with Fiji.

But Naiyaravoro opted instead to play for Australia and made his Wallabies debut in a Test match against the United States last month.

He was not picked for the Australia World Cup squad, however, and headed to Scotland.

He has been training with his new team-mates for the last couple of weeks and goes straight into the Warriors starting XV.

Glasgow have also been boosted by the return of centre Alex Dunbar. The 25-year-old returns to action after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in March while training with Scotland, an injury that caused him to miss the World Cup.

Following the narrow defeat to Munster a fortnight ago, Rory Hughes keeps his place at full-back and Lee Jones continues on the left wing, with Naiyaravoro coming in to make up the back-three.

Dunbar partners Fraser Lyle in midfield, with Rory Clegg and Grayson Hart continuing their half-back partnership.

Zander Fagerson comes in for D’arcy Rae at tighthead, with Alex Allan named at loosehead and Pat MacArthur at hooker.

Rob Harley and Scott Cummings are once again in the Warriors engine room, with Harley continuing to captain the side.

Hugh Blake moves into the back-row and starts at blindside flanker, with Chris Fusaro and Adam Ashe remaining at open-side and No 8 respectively.

New signings Greg Peterson and Simone Favaro have been named amongst the replacements and could make their competitive debuts for the club.

Junior Bulumakau is also on the Warriors bench after scoring two tries for the British Army against the Australian Forces in the 2015 International Defence competition last week.

More than 6,400 tickets for the match have already been sold.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “It’s great to welcome back Alex Dunbar from injury and also see Taqele Naiyaravoro make his debut for the club. Both players will no doubt have a big part to play this season.

“We’re expecting another capacity crowd at Scotstoun, which is a real boost and shows just how much rugby is growing in the city.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face the Dragons, Scotstoun Stadium, Friday, 7.35pm

15. Rory Hughes

14. Taqele Naiyaravoro

13. Alex Dunbar

12. Fraser Lyle

11. Lee Jones

10. Rory Clegg

9. Grayson Hart

1. Alex Allan

2. Pat MacArthur

3. Zander Fagerson

4. Rob Harley (captain)

5. Scott Cummings

6. Hugh Blake

7. Chris Fusaro

8. Adam Ashe

Replacements

16. Fergus Scott

17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa

18. Mike Cusack

19. Greg Peterson

20. Simone Favaro

21. Mike Blair

22. Gregor Hunter

23. Junior Bulumakau