Glasgow boosted by Henco Venter return, Stormers forced into backline reshuffle

Despite closing the regular URC season with three straight defeats, Glasgow can take heart from a shrinking injury list and Venter's availability after serving a suspension.

"There's a number of players due back for the Stormers game," Smith told The Offside Line. "Rory Sutherland is close after a shoulder injury, Sam Talakai is back from Australia, Max Williamson is ready again after a minor issue, and Henco Venter returns from suspension.

"Jack Mann has recovered, Sione Vailanu was just rested this week, and most of our backs are available - aside from Duncan Weir, who's out for the season."

Smith added that only Matt and Zander Fagerson, as well as Gregor Brown, remain injury doubts for the quarter-final. No 8 Jack Dempsey, who has been sidelined since the Six Nations with a hamstring issue, and Josh McKay, out since April due to an ankle injury, are both making good progress and could still come into contention.

The Stormers, meanwhile, have mostly recovered from their injury problems earlier in the season but will be forced into a backline shuffle all the same after Springbok star Damian Willemse was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle during last weekend's clash against the Dragons.

Glasgow, the defending URC champions, won the last match between the two teams at the Danie Craven Stadium earlier this season, and will be backing themselves to come away from a victory in their own backyard.

"The Stormers are a team we love playing against," said Warriors captain Kyle Steyn. "We've got a lot of respect for them because they're fighters as well. Under Dobbo, they come out firing for 80 minutes. That won't change, and they'll probably be even more desperate to get one over us."

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