NO EXCUSES BUT TOWNSEND EYES PRO12 CHANGE

GREGOR TOWNSEND has backed Pro12 league reform after being deprived of his key players throughout the Six Nations. Although he has had to make do without 17 members of his squad due to international duty, the Glasgow Warriors head coach insisted that was not the only reason for his side’s recent poor form, which has seen them lose three straight games. Townsend, however, did feel it was time for the number of Pro12 games played during the Six Nations to be reduced or — in a perfect world — scrapped completely. ‘Short-term, during the Six Nations, having so many players away definitely affects us and we have lost all three games during the international window,’ said Townsend. ‘It has been tough especially as we had to play Scarlets, Ospreys and Ulster three weeks in a row, who are all top teams challenging for a play-off spot. ‘In saying that, even with so many players missing we still should have played better than we have done in these last three games. ‘There was a proposal to change the current set-up and split the league into two Conference type set-ups which would have meant no club games were played during the Six Nations. ‘That sounded good to me but I am not sure if that proposal is still on the table. If it is, then that is a good thing.’ Townsend also admitted Warriors’ play-off chances will be all but over unless they can see off the Dragons at Scotstoun this afternoon as they are a massive 12 points behind fourth-placed Scarlets with just six matches left. Not making the top four would be a huge letdown for both the club and Townsend, who wants to end the season with silverware before taking over the Scotland job from Vern Cotter. ‘It has been hugely disappointing not to pick up wins over the past few weeks but I cannot fault the players’ effort or the work they are putting in during training sessions,’ said Townsend. ‘They are determined to put in much better performances and start winning again — with the Dragons our first test. ‘In terms of play-off qualification, we all realise if we slip up again then it will be very difficult for us to qualify. ‘I am not a mathematician but I know we have to beat the Dragons and win most, if not all, of our games from now on. ‘The Dragons will be tough opponents and to get the win against them would make us all happier than we have been over the past few weeks.’