Head to head

PRO12/1872 Cup: Edinburgh 12 Glasgow 25: December26 2016 team will play and I know they’re going to improve and get better.”

But even as he oversees the Warriors for the final time, he’ll also be looking at Edinburgh and it’s in his interests that both clubs are as strong as possible as his first act as Scotland head coach on Monday is to reveal the summer tour squad.

“I’ll have time to watch the game again on Sunday afternoon a couple of times and see how players perform,” he said.

“We’ve obviously been focusing on Glasgow but we have been watching all the players over the last few weeks. There are still a few close decisions and it might be that something happens in this game that persuades us to choose someone over someone else.

“But it is important that both teams perform well, we have more chance of success if they are and it would make more of a balance in selection for squads and tours. But just in ourselves, we’re frustrated and disappointed not to get into the top four or top two this year. For Glasgow, as well as Edinburgh, next year’s got to be a better year.”

It will be an emotional evening with players as well as Townsend bowing out of Scotstoun, most notably Sean Lamont.

The popular wing retires having raised £7,500 this week by returning to the bleached blonde look of his youth by popular demand of the Glasgow fans – although it’s not clear whether the old orange gloves will also get an outing.

“Sean has brought a huge amount to Scottish rugby with his consistency, his mental toughness and meeting the