Glasgow Warriors hand chance to 20y/o debutant as clutch of Scotland Six Nations stars left out

Ventisei, the former Scotland U20 captain, has been named at outside centre for the United Rugby Championship clash against Leinster at Scotstoun in a show of faith from head coach Franco Smith.

The 20-year-old was loaned to Edinburgh Rugby earlier this season but did not play, however, Smith believes the youngster is now ready to make his mark for his boyhood club.

“Johnny has worked hard behind the scenes to put himself in the best position possible ahead of his first senior appearance, and we know he will give everything for this team,” Smith said.

Glasgow will have to make do without captain Kyle Steyn who has picked up a foot injury while Gregor Brown (hamstring), Scott Cummings (calf), Jamie Dobie (shoulder) and Nathan McBeth (ankle) are also ruled out.

Rory Darge, who was this week named in the Six Nations team of the championship, is rested along with fellow Scotland internationalists Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu and Max Williamson.

Fin Richardson returns from injury to start in the front row, the tight-head lining up alongside Patrick Schickerling and Gregor Hiddleston for the visit of the defending champions.

Alex Craig and Alex Samuel form an all-international partnership in the second-row, the former having come off the bench for Scotland against Ireland last weekend.

Macenzzie Duncan starts at number eight in the week that saw him put pen to paper on a first-ever professional contract with the Warriors, with Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu packing down on the flanks.

George Horne and Dan Lancaster link up behind the scrum in the half-backs, the latter having crossed for a try on his last run-out at Scotstoun in the 31-22 victory over Munster at the end of January. Ventisei is joined by captain Stafford McDowall in the midfield, one of just two players who started on Leinster’s most recent visit to Scotstoun in October 2023.

The other survivor from that starting XV, Josh McKay, starts at full-back as Ollie Smith and Kyle Rowe return from Scotland camp to line up on the wings.

A six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements sees Seb Stephen join Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover, whilst Jare Oguntibeju wears the number 19 jersey.

Ally Miller rotates to the bench after starting last time out, as Angus Fraser provides additional cover in the back-row.

The backs are covered by Jack Oliver and Adam Hastings, with Hastings having recovered from an injury sustained in Scotland camp to take his place in the matchday 23.

Leinster have been boosted by the return of British & Irish Lions full-back Hugo Keenan, who makes his first appearance of the season at number 15 after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Glasgow are top of the URC but Leinster are one of three clubs sitting four points behind. Smith is expecting a tough match, stating: "It goes without saying that Leinster has been amongst the standard setters in European rugby for many years, with strength in depth across every position and a squad filled with international talent that can cause problems for any team – we know we must be at our best to meet their level."

Glasgow Warriors team to face Leinster at Scotstoun, Saturday 21 March, kick-off 5.30pm:

15 Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Johnny Ventisei, 14 Kyle Rowe, 12 Stafford McDowall (c), 11 Ollie Smith, 10 Dan Lancaster, 9 George Horne; 1 Patrick Schickerling, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 3 Fin Richardson, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Alex Samuel, 6 Euan Ferrie, 7 Sione Vailanu, 8 Macenzzie Duncan.

Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, 19 Jare Oguntibeju, 20 Ally Miller, 21 Angus Fraser, 22 Jack Oliver, 23 Adam Hastings.