Glasgow Warriors boss explains Benetton absences of Ruwald van der Merwe and Josh McKay plus Lions plans

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith says that back rower Ruwald van der Merwe needs a moment to reset following his impressive debut in last weekend’s Champions Cup win at Sale.

The summer recruit from South Africa is one of a number of players who have been rotated out of the team for this Saturday’s URC fixture against Benetton in Treviso. Half backs George Horne and Dan Lancaster also drop out of the match day 23 with Jamie Dobie moving from wing to nine and young stand-off Matty Urwin earning his first competitive start in the 10 jersey.

Jamie Ritchie will also make his long awaited Warriors debut while veteran prop Rory Sutherland returns from injury. There’s still no Josh McKay in the group but Smith explained that decision saying the full-back is set to feature next week against the Lions at Scotstoun.

“He's 100 per cent fine,” said Smith on the former New Zealand under 20 international. “He trained really well this week and we're excited to have him fresh next week, so you can put him down on the team sheet.

“I think Ruwald, specifically, is somebody who, with all the excitement, needs to just reset for a moment. With all of them, we try to be smart and clever while maintaining the enthusiasm in the group and also the progression into next week against the Lions, which is going to be a very important game for us."

On 21-year-old Urwin, who featured prominently in their two pre-season matches against Bath and Newcastle Red Bulls, Smith added: “He's a youngster who's been knocking on the door for quite a long time. It was also a project for us to bring a young player through. He's got a good kicking game, which is maybe different from the other players in that respect.

"I feel he's got a good general understanding of what we want. Therefore, I've introduced him among the other internationals to make sure he's calm. He can just concentrate on his distribution and the way he manages the game.

“I don't want him to go onto the pitch with any pressure or expectations. We just want him to contribute as much as he can."

The biggest news from the selection is of course the highly anticipated first outing for former Scotland captain Ritchie in a Warriors shirt. Smith has been open about not wanting to rush the flanker into action as he recovered from injury and adjusted to life at Scotstoun.

"I hope he finds that his ceiling is still a long way off,” the South African said. “His carrying ability, defensive approach, energy and ability to turn the ball over are all important. I feel he's developed well physically now.

"With a foot injury, you usually get an opportunity to strengthen the upper body and the rest of your power game. I think in the first game, if we can just see him carry the ball well and do what Jamie does as best he can, that will be enough for us for now.

"He's a good all-round forward and we just want that from him. Like all the other players, he gives and then gets. That is our mission here. The more you give, the more you'll get. From the first day, he contributed to conversations and to the environment.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Benetton: Rory Sutherland, Seb Stephen, Zander Fagerson, Max Williamson, Scott Cummings, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge, Euan Ferrie, Jamie Dobie, Matthew Urwin, Ollie Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, Stafford McDowall, Kyle Steyn (C), Kyle Rowe. Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Nathan McBeth, Murphy Walker, Alex Craig, Jare Oguntibeju, Gregor Brown, Callum Reidy, Bayley Kuenzle.