Zebre technical director Christian Gajan is ready to give youth its chance after announcing Leonardo Sarto and Michael Van Vuren will be handed their RaboDirect PRO12 debuts against Glasgow Warriors.

The postponement of last weekend’s game with Ulster after the tragic passing of Nevin Spence has given Zebre an extended break following their exertions in the 41-10 loss at Edinburgh two weeks ago.

But the RaboDirect PRO12 new boys are still searching for their first league point following three straight defeats while the Warriors have won their last three matches against Italian opponents.

After impressing at centre against Edinburgh, Daniel Halangahu moves to full-back to accommodate returning skipper Gonzalo Garcia, who will be alongside Matteo Pratichetti.

Sinoti Sinoti comes in for Giovanbattista Venditti on the other wing while the front row is formed of Matias Aguero, Davide Giazzon and Luca Redolfini.

But Gajan believes youth is the way forward for Zebre and is backing wing Sarto and lock Van Vuren, who has recovered from a shoulder injury suffered in the first pre-season game in Perpignan, to make an impact at Scotstoun on Friday night in the first meeting of the clubs.

“Youngsters especially need to grow by playing games and this includes also taking gambles,” said Gajan.

“Our work is always trying to grow our effectiveness through seeking different solutions within a squad that includes experienced players and young guys.

“It’s always important to have goals. We worked much on the attitude and individual support. These are our goals for this game, to improve as a team and also the responses of individual players.

“Last weekend’s stop allowed us to have longer and more frequent training sessions and to recover some of the players.

“In Scotland it is always difficult and the weather should not be the best Friday night.”

The Warriors also ring the changes with a similar balance of youth and experience as they search for a second victory in seven days at their new home after last week’s bonus point victory over Connacht.

Graeme Morrison, Ruaridh Jackson and DTH van der Merwe will line up with young backs Byron McGuigan, Fraser Thomson and Sean Kennedy.

Glasgow’s trio of new signings have all made the squad with Josh Strauss at No.8 while Fiji scrum-half Niko Matawalu and Tonga prop Ofa Fainga’anuku could make their debuts from the bench.

And head coach Gregor Townsend is excited at the prospect of seeing his new line-up.

“The younger players we’ve included have all made a great case for selection with the attitude and ability they’ve consistently shown since pre-season began back in June,” said Townsend.

“But there’s real experience in the shape of players like Graeme Morrison, Ruaridh Jackson, DTH van der Merwe, Tom Ryder, Tim Swinson, Angus Macdonald and Josh Strauss.

“We have a lot of faith in the side that will take the field, both individually and collectively. We’re excited to see them in action in what will be another extremely tough test for us.

“The nature of modern professional rugby is such that you need to have a large group of players all capable of stepping up and delivering when the situation demands.

“We’re fortunate this season to have such a good amount of strength in depth, and the players we’ve brought in this week have all been chomping at the bit to get out there and prove they’re worthy of regular selection.”

At Scotstoun Stadium, 7.35pm.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 19th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Cammy Rudkin, Bob Nevins (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Rob Flockhart (SRU)
TMO: Iain Ramage (SRU)

Live on BBC ALBA