Gloucester's greater need could prove crucial

GLASGOW v GLOUCESTER:

GLOUCESTER’S NEED is arguably greater in that at least they have won a match to date in this season’s Heineken Cup and remain in contention in the pool behind Biarritz and the Dragons but that last assertion is contingent on them winning tonight.

Glasgow have lost both their matches so far, something of a surprise given their form in the Magners League. A victory this evening might appease home supporters and also re-establish a little pride but it is unlikely to kick-start a surge to the play-offs. The English club had been struggling in their domestic league up until recently and it’ll be interesting to see whether an upturn in form will be reflected on the pitch tonight.

Former All Black Carlos Spencer is at fullback, Welshman Nicky Robinson at outhalf and recent English international debutant Paul Doran-Jones on the bench.

It’ll be interesting to see if Glasgow play a little more rugby than they did against Ulster recently or continue with the low risk kicking option.

A sneaking suspicion that Gloucester might just eke out an away win.

GLASGOW WARRIORS:B Stortoni; P Murchie, M Evans, G Morrison, T Evans; D Parks, C Cusiter; J Welsh, D Hall, M Low: D Turner, R Gray; K Brown, J Barclay (capt), R Vernon. Replacements: F Thomson, K Tkachuk, E Kalman, T Barker, M McMillan, C Gregor, C Forrester, D van der Merwe.

GLOUCESTER:C Spencer; C Sharples, J Simpson-Daniel, E Fuimaono-Sapolu, L Vainikolo; N Robinson, R Lawson; N Wood, S Lawson, G Somerville; D Attwood, A Brown: P Buxton (capt), A Strokosch, L Narraway. Replacements: D Dawiduik, P Doran-Jones, A Dickinson, A Eustace, G Delve, D Lewis, T Voyce, T Molenaar.

Referee:Christophe Berdos (Fra)