Cusack and Pitman to start against Sharks

glasgow coach Sean Lineen has named a remodelled side for the Warriors’ final pre-season match away at Sale Sharks tonight to give another batch of players the chance to win a spot for the Celtic League trip to face Ulster next week.

After a 17-7 win over Newcastle at Firhill a fortnight ago, Troy Nathan and Henry Pyrgos retain their places at inside centre and scrum-half respectively, while up front hooker Pat MacArthur, locks Tom Ryder and Nick Campbell, and openside flanker Chris Fusaro also stay in the team.

Coming into the backline are full-back Stuart Hogg, wingers Federico Aramburu and Dave McCall, outside centre Peter Horne and stand-off Duncan Weir.

In the pack there is a first Glasgow appearance for former Doncaster Knights tighthead prop Mike Cusack and Rory Pitman gets his first start since joining on loan from Ospreys.

There are also starting berths for Ryan Grant and Rob Harley, who have returned to the Warriors fold after missing out on the Scotland World Cup squad. Harley will captain the side at Edgeley Park.

Lineen said: “It was always our intention to give as many guys as possible a chance to impress between the Newcastle and Sale games, and that’s exactly what we’re doing by making a few changes.

“We showed excellent fitness and resilience to push on in the Falcons match and ultimately win it, and I’m looking forward to seeing us build on that at Edgeley Park.”

Glasgow’s first RaboDirect PRO12 match is against Ulster at Ravenhill next Friday at 7.05pm and is live on BBC ALBA.