Glasgow v Ospreys: Fourth start for Finn Russell

Making his fourth start, 21-year-old Finn Russell will line up at centre alongside Alex Dunbar. Picture: Contributed

The former Falkirk RFC player will line up at centre alongside Alex Dunbar, with Warriors needing to defeat the Welsh side in their bid to secure a play-off place in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Glasgow, who currently sit fifth in the table, have two games in hand - against Treviso and Edinburgh Rugby - on fourth-placed Ospreys.

And head coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes to the side that recorded a 14-6 victory over Scarlets at Scotstoun last weekend.

Niko Matawalu and Tommy Seymour continue on the wings while Peter Murchie retains his spot at full-back.

The 21-year-old Russell comes in at inside centre, with Dunbar shifting to outside in place of Richie Vernon, who has been named among the replacements.

In the front row, Pat McArthur replaces Dougie Hall at hooker alongside props Jon Welsh and Gordon Reid, while Leone Nakarawa will fill in for the injured Tim Swinson in the second row, partnering Jonny Gray.

The back row of Rob Harley, Josh Strauss and Chris Fusaro remains unchanged while Ryan Wilson and Sean Maitland have both been named on the bench.

Wilson returns from international duty with Scotland while Maitland continues his comeback from injury.

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “This is our biggest game of the season so far with valuable league points up for grabs.

“It was an important win for us last weekend because Scarlets were one place below us in the league and tomorrow we play the team that are one place above us, so this is a crucial game.

“Ospreys are a very physical side with a number of good playmakers in their backs so we’ll have to be at our best defensively. Like any game against a top side, we’ll have to seize any opportunity that comes our way.

Townsend stressed that his side were aware of the ‘huge challenge’ on their hands, adding: “We’re looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd at Scotstoun and the Glasgow support will have a key role to play.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Ospreys, RaboDirect PRO12, Scotstoun Stadium, Friday 28 March (kick-off 7.35pm)

15. Peter Murchie

14. Tommy Seymour

13. Alex Dunbar

12. Finn Russell

11. Niko Matawalu

10. Duncan Weir

9. Chris Cusiter (Captain)

1. Gordon Reid

2. Pat MacArthur

3. Jon Welsh

4. Leone Nakarawa

5. Jonny Gray

6. Rob Harley

7. Chris Fusaro

8. Josh Strauss

Substitutes

16. Dougie Hall

17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa

18. Moray Low

19. Ryan Wilson

20. Tyrone Holmes

21. Ruaridh Jackson

22. Richie Vernon

23. Sean Maitland

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