Townsend backs Warriors to regain Scottish pride against Saracens

Glasgow’s avengers hunting a Euro scalp

AS far as Gregor Townsend is concerned, some good could yet come from Scotland’s humiliating 61-21 Six Nations loss to England three weeks ago at Twickenham.

The Glasgow Warriors head coach had ten of his players involved that fateful day — and is now looking to use the hurt they suffered to motivate them as they prepare to face Saracens in the European Champions Cup quarter-final at Allianz Park tomorrow.

Five of the England team who inflicted that record defeat will once again be in the opposition line-up, with the Scots under no illusions about the size of the task they face.

A repeat of what happened the last time they visited London would be unthinkable but Townsend is doing his utmost to ensure his side are pumped up for the clash with the reigning European champions.

‘We are playing Saracens, not England, but I would hope that there will be real determination from the boys not to miss this opportunity for a second time down in London,’ said the Warriors boss. ‘We had 10 of the 15 playing for Scotland against England that day and they know they did not deliver a true reflection of what they are capable of.

‘They have to do this at the weekend and show their true quality — or we are not going to be winning against Saracens.

‘If you look at the stats, they have been the best in Europe over the past couple of seasons.

‘Before them, it was Toulon but Saracens have taken that mantle. They have been unbeaten for almost two years in Europe and that run shows how hard they are to beat.’

Perhaps the Scots with the most to prove tomorrow are the four or five who harbour real ambitions of touring New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions this summer.

The likes of Jonny Gray and Finn Russell saw their reputations take a dent at Twickenham after going into the Six Nations in tremendous form.

Hooker Fraser Brown and tighthead prop Zander Fagerson are long shots for the squad but could catch Warren Gatland’s eye with impressive displays against Saracens.

Backs Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour, meanwhile, should be on the plane in terms of form, at least.

For Townsend, it was important to bring back most of his Scotland internationals for what amounts to Glasgow’s biggest-ever European tie — with Gray having been rested for the bonus point win over Connacht in the Pro12 last weekend.

‘Obviously, the fourth Six Nations game (against England) wasn’t great from a Scottish perspective,’ added Townsend.

‘From Jonny’s point of view, though, he kept up his high standards and worked really hard in his next game against Italy.

‘He didn’t play against Connacht but he has been really switched on this week ahead of the Saracens game.

‘He was on the laptop, working on what we can expect from Saracens’ lineout and he has been a big part of our game plan.

‘He is eager to play against

Saracens and he knows it’s a real big challenge for him, from a set-piece point of view.

‘It’s great working out what they might do in the lineout, what (Maro) Itoje is going to do, what Jim Hamilton is going to do, what can we do to them.’

The one big selection call Townsend has made is to drop scrum-half Ali Price to the bench and start with Henry Pyrgos.

‘Henry and Ali have both been playing really well and they give us a blend where both can have a big impact,’ said Townsend. ‘Henry is our co-captain and his leadership will really help the team.

‘There will be times when we will have to manage our game well and Henry has that experience. Ali has improved hugely in that area and he brings other strengths which we will be looking forward to seeing. We see both of them having big roles in the game.

‘Overall, I believe we’re in the right place to make sure Saracens have an off-day in what will be the closest we will get to Test-match rugby.

‘They are an excellent side who get a lot of things right, starting with their culture. Their guys all buy into their game plan and work very hard for each other.

‘They are hugely successful and have been excellent in Europe the last couple of seasons, which is down to their consistency.

‘They have some brilliant individuals. Guys who will be starting Lions Tests come the summer.

‘We respect them very much, so it’s a brilliant challenge for us to go up against what’s realistically the best team in Europe — but, in saying all that, this is a game we can win.’

Saracens have named a fullstrength side, which includes Scotland international winger Sean Maitland and also his former international team-mate Hamilton in the second row.

Former Glasgow player and ex-international captain Kelly Brown joins current Scotland star Duncan Taylor on the replacements’ bench.