GREGOR RUES MISSED POINTS

GLASGOW head coach Gregor Townsend admitted his side paid the price for their profligacy after an agonising late Northampton try extinguished the Warriors’ hopes of qualifying for the last eight of the European Champions Cup. Glasgow have now failed to reach the quarter-finals in 18 attempts, but this was all the more painful as the Warriors led with two minutes to play and missed nine points from the boot of Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell. Townsend has to pick the players up if they are to battle back into the Pro12 top six and earn a 19th crack at European Rugby’s premier club competition. ‘Today could have — should have — led to a very big win for the club down here, but it wasn’t to be and that’s a tough thing for us all to take,’ he said. ‘We kept ball in attack, we took the game to Northampton and I thought we defended really well. ‘To be leading for parts of the second half and in the 78th minute, it’s obviously very disappointing to lose. ‘What I’m worried about is giving a team with the best driving line-out in Europe the opportunities to have a few gos at it. ‘There were needless penalties that were then kicked to the corners. You’re up against a really good driving line-out and we can’t give them those opportunities.’ Townsend was also frustrated at the three missed kicks which would have won the game for his side. ‘I was a kicker and never the best,’ added Townsend. ‘I thought Finn got his confidence back and Stuart kicked a very good one to put us ahead with 10 minutes left. We should have kicked on and won, and that’s the frustrating thing.’ Tim Swinson punched Northampton replacement Mike Haywood in a maul with six minutes to go. And Townsend said the substitute felt he was responsible for the loss. ‘I think it was a punch, so it’s out of character,’ said Townsend. ‘It’s something he is really disappointed with. ‘He feels like he let down the team. But we’ve got to make sure our discipline, whether in giving away penalties or looking after the ball, is better.’