Gregor Townsend wants Glasgow to learn from mistakes

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend speaks to the media ahead of his side's match against Llanelli Scarlets. Picture: SNS

The Scotstoun side crashed to a 16-10 defeat to the Welsh province on the opening day of the Guinness Pro12 season.

Warrirors were without their international stars for that match, which was played just two weeks before this year’s Rugby World Cup kicked-off

But Townsend has urged his squad not to repeat the mistakes which cost them back in September.

SEE ALSO - Frustrated Glasgow Warriors in bid to build momentum

The head coach - who put doubts over his Glasgow future to rest on Thursday by penning a two-year contract extension - said: “The Scarlets are doing very well in the Pro12 and will provide tough opposition this weekend.

“They have already beaten us at Scotstoun this season and it’s important that we learn from that game, as we look for our first victory in Europe this season.”

Townsend has named the same starting XV to face the Llanelli outfit as the one which would have ran out for last weekend’s postponed Leinster clash.

Glasgow Warriors' Josh Strauss prepares for his side's European Rugby Champions Cup match against Llanelli Scarlets. Picture: SNS

The only change to the matchday 23 is amongst the replacements, with scrum-half Grayson Hart coming in for Ali Price.

Hooker James Malcolm will therefore make his first start for the club, after featuring twice off the bench last month against Cardiff Blues and Benetton Treviso.

SEE ALSO - Gregor Townsend signs new Glasgow contract

Fijian second-row Leone Nakarawa will make his 50th appearance for the Warriors while Stuart Hogg, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Tommy Seymour make up the back three.

Alex Dunbar starts at outside centre, while Peter Horne slots in at 12.

Duncan Weir starts at fly-half, with Finn Russell on the bench and Mike Blair at scrum-half.

In the pack Ryan Grant is at loose-head, with Malcolm at hooker and Tongan prop Sila Puafisi starting at tight-head.

Nakarawa partners captain Jonny Gray in the engine room.

In the back-row Josh Strauss is at blind-side, Simone Favaro starts at open-side and after his match-winning try against Benetton Treviso, Adam Ashe continues at Number 8.

Townsend added: “We’ve gone with the same starting XV which would have played last weekend, as those players deserve the opportunity and we’re looking forward to seeing James Malcolm make his first start for the club.”