Glasgow Warriors handed cruel last-minute injury blow ahead of URC Bulls semi-final

Scrum-half George Horne, who was a doubt in the build-up to the match through the week, has failed a late fitness test just hours before kick off at Murrayfield. He will be replaced in the starting XV by Jamie Dobie, with Jack Oliver moving up to the replacements in the 22 jersey.

It will be Dobie’s first rugby MATCH since the Scotland vs England Calcutta Cup clash in this year’s Six Nations back in February where the 24-year-old picked up a shoulder injury. He returns against a formidable Bulls’ side looking to avenge their 2024 Grand Final defeat at the hands of Warriors in this ‘home’ semi-final for Franco Smith’s side.

Jamie Dobie replaces George Horne in Glasgow Warriors starting XV for URC semi-final

The South African head coach spoke about Horne earlier this week, saying: “George's hand was a real concern at the start of the week and I'm just thankful that he's progressed so well. It's good to have Dobie ready. We're excited to have them available, they'll bring a lot of energy.”

“I think George is unique and he's a brilliant competitor and he gets the best out of everybody around him,” said Smith. “Therefore, his contribution is massive and he's so influential from that aspect. I hope that the fact that he's available is a very important ingredient for us.”

Latest tickets sales sit at just over 17,500 for the match at the Home of Scottish Rugby which will also host the final should Glasgow Warriors make it that far. They will have to overcome a Bulls team that features no less than 11 Springboks in order to do so.

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay; Kyle Steyn (capt), Stafford McDowall, Sione Tuipulotu, Kyle Rowe; Dan Lancaster, Jamie Dobie; Patrick Schickerling, Gregor Hiddleston, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Alex Samuel, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey. Replacements: Seb Stephen, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, Jare Oguntibeju, Euan Ferrie, Sione Vailanu, Jack Oliver, Adam Hastings.

Vodacom Bulls: Willie le Roux; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs; Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee (capt), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom. Replacements: Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese, Jeandre Rudolph, Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Nizaam Carr.

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU).

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