The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Munster ‘battle’ like international, says Townsend
Coach determined to revive Glasgow fortunes with victory in Cork
MUNSTER V GLASGOW
Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend believes their game against Munster will have the same intensity as an international match.
Warriors have suffered three defeats by Munster this season and were on the end of a 38-13 defeat by Saracens in the European Champions Cup quarterfinals.
But Townsend and his squad are determined to revive their Guinness PRO12 play-off hopes when they take on the Irish side at Thomond Park tonight.
The future Scotland head coach, whose side are 10 points adrift of fourth place with four games remaining, said: “We have had some great battles with Munster already this season and we are expecting the same on Saturday.
“They bring physicality and intensity on the same level as a Test match and we are going to have to perform very well in those aspects of the game to get a positive result.
“We didn’t get things right last weekend against Saracens, but things move on pretty quickly in sport and we now have an opportunity to show a true reflection of the rugby we are capable of playing. We are determined to deliver a much better performance over in Cork.”
Jonny Gray is ready to get his teeth into the muscle men of Munster – and keep the Warriors’ season alive.
The inspirational skipper has shaken off the effects of a head knock and will lead Glasgow in Cork.
Townsend added: “Thankfully, Jonny has passed all the concussion checks and has a complete set of teeth again!
“He is absolutely raring to go – and because he was sidelined for most of the Sarries game, he will be the freshest player on the pitch.”
Townsend has named an experienced squad boasting a combined total of more than 1,500 Warriors appearances. Ali Price, Nick Grigg and Sila Puafisi come in following the European exit.
And in another boost, utility back Peter Horne has been cleared to sit on the bench following a dead leg.
Munster supremo Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes from the side that ousted Toulouse from Europe.
James Cronin, Rhys Marshall and Stephen Archer make up an all new front row, with Dave O’Callaghan coming in at lock. Jean Deysel will make his debut in the breakaway unit, alongside Jack O’Donoghue and Conor Oliver.