Horne hands Townsend a headache

GLASGOW WARRIORS head coach Dave Rennie believes the performance of scrum-half George Horne against Zebre has given Gregor Townsend food for thought heading into the Six Nations showdown with Italy.

Ali Price is favourite to start at nine in Rome but Rennie thinks it is no foregone conclusion. He was impressed at the way Horne controlled play when it mattered in the eight-try victory over the Italian outfit in the Pro14 league game at Scotstoun. During the 55 minutes he was on the park, Horne (left) scored two tries in the 56-24 win and was named man of the match.

‘That is the great thing about the guys coming back to the club in that they got to put a bit of pressure on the national selectors,’ said Rennie.

‘George has been in irresistible form for us all year, he certainly has a nose for the try line plus a massive work rate. There are a couple of good nines from here in the Scottish set-up in Ali and George so it will be interesting to see who plays against Italy.’

Ronnie also praised the performance of second row Leone Nakarawa in what was his first performance back at Scotstoun since he returned to the club from Racing 92.

In a superb display, he helped set up Glasgow’s fourth try, scored by his fellow Fijian Mesu Dolokoto, that secured the bonus point.

‘Leone’s ability to keep the ball alive is probably one of the best in the world,’ said the Warriors head coach. ‘Now and then there will be a bit of a dusty offload that doesn’t hit the target but he makes an impact and makes space for others.’