First Glasgow Warriors start for Adam Hastings against Kings

Adam Hastings will start for Glasgow Warriors against Southern Kings on Friday. Picture: Gary Hutchison/SNS/SRU

The 21-year-old former Bath and Scotland Under-20 player is partnered at scrum-half by another first starter in the shape of George Horne, the 22-year-old younger brother of Scotland centre Peter Horne.

Niko Matawalu is also in the starting XV for the first time since his return to the club. A number of Glasgow’s Scotland players are rested for the game against the winless South Africans but full-back Stuart Hogg, who made his first appearance of the season against Leinster in the Champions Cup loss, gets another run out.

Rob Harley will captain the side from the back row, while former Lions prop Ryan Grant should make his comeback off the bench after signing a short-term deal with his former club.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Adam Ashe will undergo surgery on an ankle injury sustained in last week’s game against Leinster and is expected to be out of action for 10-12 weeks.

Glasgow coach Dave Rennie said: “The previous couple of weeks in Europe have been good for us. It has highlighted the shifts we need to make in our game and the importance of accuracy and the patience to build pressure. We’ve been working hard on that part of the game.

“The Kings provide a similar challenge, an imposing set piece and an ability to hurt you deep in your territory. We see this game as a chance for redemption and have prepared well. There is a fresh look about our side which is exciting.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play the Southern Kings in the Guinness PRO14 on BBC ALBA (kick-off 7.35pm) Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets

15. Stuart Hogg (101)

14. Lee Jones (61)

13. Nick Grigg (28)

12. Sam Johnson (30)

11. Niko Matawalu (78)

10. Adam Hastings (1)

9. George Horne (4)

1. Alex Allan (57)

2. Pat MacArthur (159)

3. Zander Fagerson (57)

4. Scott Cummings (24)

5. Jonny Gray (76)

6. Robert Harley (168) CAPTAIN

7. Matt Smith (4)

8. Matt Fagerson (13)

SUBS

16. George Turner (7)

17. Ryan Grant (109)

18. Adam Nicol (2)

19. Greg Peterson (22)

20. Lewis Wynne (15)

21. Ruaridh Jackson (120)

22. Stafford McDowall (0)

23. Lelia Masaga (1)

Unavailable players: Adam Ashe (ankle), Brian Alanu’uise (knee), Fraser Brown (knee), Alex Dunbar (knee), Callum Gibbins (head), Pete Horne (head), Rory Hughes (shoulder), Oli Kebble (foot), Paddy Kelly (ankle), Kiran McDonald (thigh), Henry Pyrgos (neck), Ratu Tagive (achilles), Richie Vernon (achilles), Samuela Vunisa (knee) and Ryan Wilson (head).