Wilson is brought in from the cold
GLASGOW Warriors head coach Gregor Town send has backed Ryan Wilson to rebuild his career after a spell in the wilderness — and reckons he can make an impact if he comes off the bench in tonight’s vital match against the Ospreys.
The loose forward’s Scotstoun future looked to be in doubt after he was found guilty of assaulting two men in a kebab shop last year.
As Sportsmail revealed yesterday, however, Townsend has reintroduced the Scotland international at the first available opportunity after he completed his three-month SRU ban without pay. And he has included him in his squad for this evening’s clash in Wales — which Glasgow must win if they are to secure a home semi-final in the Pro12 play-offs.
The assault charge also resulted i n the 25- year- old serving an international ban, which ends on August 23, four weeks before the start of the World Cup.
‘I think Ryan has looked really good in training this week,’ said Townsend. ‘He’s an excellent player, who had been playing well for us before his suspension. He has worked hard to be in a position where we could select him again. It was a big decision we had to make this week and we are very confident that he will do well if he comes off the bench.
‘Ryan can’t wait to play. I said to him we had a decision to make over whether he played a training game today (Thursday) or whether we involved him against the Ospreys. He was over the moon when he heard he was in the squad.
‘He has been very positive and has shown a great deal of professionalism these past three months to work hard since he was allowed to come back to train with us.
‘He is so happy to be back playing. If you miss time with injury, or suspension as in this case, it can be frustrating, so I think we will see a real positive impact from Ryan if he comes on against the Ospreys.’
Townsend’s other big selection call sees Finn Russell rested and stand-off Duncan Weir back in the line-up for his first start this year. The Warriors boss has chosen a very attackminded team, with Niko Matawalu and Tommy Seymour on the wings and Stuart Hogg at full-back.
Glasgow have a fine away record against the Ospreys, winning at the Liberty Stadium in their past three league visits, but never have the stakes been higher.
Victory will mean a home tie in the last four but defeat would see them having to beat Ulster at Scotstoun in their final Pro12 match to gain that advantage.
‘I am sure because the Ospreys haven’t beaten us at home for two or three years, it will be a huge motivating factor for them and they will want to put one over on us,’ said Townsend. ‘They’ll be up for this but I’m confident the team I have picked can keep our good away record against them going.
‘We’ve changed things a bit with Duncan starting. He deserves his chance as he’s now been involved in two games off the bench after picking up his injury in December and is ready to play from the start.
‘I’ve taken Finn out as he has a couple of t hings t o work on physically and he’ll be available for selection next week against Ulster.
‘We’re well aware of the importance of the fixture. Securing our place in the play-offs is a massive achievement but this match is crucial if we want a home semi-final. Ospreys are only four points behind us and are also playing for a home play-off semi, so we’re expecting a tough, tense game with so much at stake.’
In the continued absence of the injured Al Kellock, Glasgow will be skippered by No 8 Josh Strauss.
But the South African admitted that Kellock, who retires at the end of the season, is always ready to offer guidance.
‘Al is still the captain,’ said Strauss. ‘It comes naturally to him. The boys follow him completely. I still look up to him as captain.
‘I might be doing the talking on the pitch but he remains a great presence around us. Al is striving to make the team but has been unlucky over the past few months through injury. His focus is to get fit and be eligible for the play-offs.
Even if he doesn’t make it, he will remain a vital part of the squad and the real captain of Glasgow.’ OSPREYS: Evans; Hassler, John, Matavesi, Walker; Biggar, Webb; Smith, Baldwin, Jarvis, Ardron, Wyn Jones, King, Tipuric, Baker. GLASGOW: Hogg; Seymour, Vernon, Horne, Matawalu; Weir, Pyrgos; Grant, McArthur, Welsh, Swinson, Gray, Harley, Fusaro, Strauss. Kick-off: 7.35pm, live on BBC Red Button.