Six Scotland players return for trip to Cardiff

Glasgow Warriors have been boosted by the return of six players who featured at the Rugby World Cup, for tomorrow’s GUINNESS PRO12 encounter with Cardiff Blues at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park. Scotland internationals Stuart Hogg, Mark Bennett, Finn Russell, Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss and Ryan Grant are all included in the matchday squad. There are 20 internationals in the squad and 15 full international caps in the Warriors starting line-up. Hogg returns at full-back with Tommy Seymour moving to the left wing in place of Sean Lamont. Australia international Taqele Naiyaravoro comes in for Lee Jones on the opposite side. Bennett returns to makes his first appearance in a Glasgow Warriors shirt since March and he partners Peter Horne in midfield, with Richie Vernon not involved this weekend. Russell replaces Duncan Weir at stand-off and Grayson Hart comes in for Mike Blair at scrum-half. It’s the same front-row which started last weekend’s win over the Ospreys, with Gordon Reid, Pat MacArthur and Sila Puafisi combining. Gray captains the side for the first time since being named club captain and he’ll partner Leone Nakarawa in the second-row. Strauss returns at blind-side flanker, while Chris Fusaro is at open-side and Adam Ashe starts at Number 8, with Simone Favaro not involved this weekend and Ryan Wilson moving to the bench. Ryan Grant returns from injury and is named amongst the replacements. Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “Cardiff Blues have been on the road for a few games and could be boosted by the return of Welsh internationals, so we’re expecting a very tough match tomorrow afternoon. “The Arms Park is a special place to play and the artificial surface tends to promote high-paced rugby. “This week we once again welcome back another group of Scotland internationals, which means competition within our squad is increasing all the time.Glasgow Warriors team to play Cardiff Blues, GUINNESS PRO12, BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Saturday 7 November (kick-off 3pm) – live on Sky Sports 1: 15. Stuart Hogg 14. Taqele Naiyaravoro 13. Mark Bennett 12. Peter Horne 11. Tommy Seymour 10. Finn Russell 9. Grayson Hart 1. Gordon Reid 2. Pat MacArthur 3. Sila Puafisi 4. Leone Nakarawa 5. Jonny Gray (Captain) 6. Josh Strauss 7. Chris Fusaro 8. Adam AsheReplacements 16. James Malcolm 17. Ryan Grant    18. Zander Fagerson 19. Greg Peterson 20. Rob Harley 21. Ryan Wilson 22. Mike Blair 23. Junior BulumakauNot available due to injury: Fraser Brown (foot), Glenn Bryce (ankle), Kevin Bryce (shoulder), Mike Cusack (thigh), Alex Dunbar (sternum), Jason Hill (ankle), Kieran Low (concussion), Peter Murchie (elbow), Henry Pyrgos (wrist), Fergus Scott (shoulder) and Tim Swinson (quad).