Warriors hoping to finish on high note

Gregor Townsend does not expect his Glasgow men to ease off despite seeing their Guinness PRO12 play-off hopes all but evaporate.

Last week’s 10-7 loss to Munster leaves Warriors 11 points from the top four with just three games of the regular season to play.

But Townsend, who departs Scotstoun this summer to take over as Scotland head coach, is determined to finish on a high, and wants to start his farewell tour with a win against Zebre tonight.

He said: “The players are determined to finish the season on a high, and there is a real enthusiasm throughout the squad to play well in front of our home crowd tomorrow night.

“We will have to be accurate, focused and out-work our opposition, as Zebre come into the game in good form. It should be an excellent challenge for this group of players.”

Leonardo Sarto will return from injury to face his former club as Glasgow host the Italians at Scotstoun.

The Italy winger has not played for Warriors since October following shoulder surgery.

He has scored three tries in six appearances for Glasgow following his move from Parma last summer and he starts in the back three alongside Rory Hughes and Peter Murchie.

Sam Johnson also returns from injury to start, partnering Nick Grigg in the centres after over a month on the sidelines.

Henry Pyrgos will captain the side at scrum-half with Peter Horne shifting to stand-off to complete the back-line.

Perth-born 18-year-old Matt Fagerson starts at No 8, joined in the back-row by the experienced heads of Rob Harley and Chris Fusaro.

Scott Cummings and Greg Peterson combine in the engine room behind a front row of Alex Allan, Pat MacArthur and D’arcy Rae.

On the bench hooker Cammy Fenton could make his first appearance at Scotstoun and first of the season, while Sean Lamont will look to make an impact following the announcement that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.